Rubio says Israel, Lebanon reach framework agreement aimed at 'lasting peace and security'

Israel's Ambassador to the U.S. Yechiel Leiter speaks next to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, State Department Counselor Daniel Holler, and Lebanon's Ambassador to the U.S. Nada Hamadeh during a meeting at the State Department in Washington, D.C., U.S., June 26, 2026. Ken Cedeno | Reuters Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Friday that Israel and Lebanon had reached a framework agreement aimed at achieving "lasting peace and security." The agreement, which came as a result of talks mediated by the United States, calls for the implementation of a ceasefire between the two nations. That ceasefire is contingent on a complete cessation of fire by the paramilitary group Hezbollah and the evacuation of all Hezbollah operatives from the South Litani Sector, an area in southern Lebanon. Hezbollah was not a party to Friday's agreement. It is not clear whether the group will abide by any ceasefire. But an end to hostilities between Israel and Lebanon is considered crucial to obtaining a lasting peace deal between the United States and Iran, which sponsors Hezbollah.