Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday, 28 June declared that a US-mediated framework agreement signed the previous day between Israel and Lebanon clears the path toward ending the ongoing conflict and eventually forging a formal peace deal between the two nations. The announcement came at a press conference in Jerusalem, marking one of the most significant diplomatic developments in the region in months.

What Netanyahu Said

Speaking to reporters, Netanyahu described the agreement as a net strategic gain for both Israel and Lebanon, while framing it as a setback for regional adversaries. “This agreement strengthens Israel and Lebanon, and weakens Iran and Hezbollah. This is a sign of things to come,” he said.

Netanyahu added that under the terms of the framework, both the United States and Lebanon formally recognise Israel’s right to maintain a ‘security zone’ in southern Lebanon for as long as Israeli security requirements demand it. He stated that the Israeli military will continue to hold that zone until Hezbollah and other organisations it designates as ‘terror’ groups are disarmed.

Pilot Disarmament Programme Near Security Zone

A notable element of the framework is a pilot disarmament programme covering two areas near the northern boundary of the security zone, identified by the Israeli military. Under the pilot, Hezbollah’s infrastructure in those areas would be dismantled and control transferred to the Lebanese army. If successful, the model could be extended further north, though no timeline has been publicly confirmed.

Netanyahu also claimed that Israel has killed more than 9,000 Hezbollah militants since the war began and destroyed approximately 90 percent of the group’s stockpile of 150,000 missiles and rockets. These figures have not been independently verified.

What the US Said

The framework was signed at the conclusion of the latest round of ambassador-level talks in Washington, D.C. on Friday, 27 June. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the agreement at the signing ceremony, calling it a milestone for regional stability.

“Today is a good day in that we are happy to announce the – a framework agreement between the sovereign Government of Lebanon and of course the Government of Israel, with the mediation and support of the United States of America, that begins to put in place a framework for lasting peace and security. And that’s what these two nations deserve,” Rubio said.

Scope and Objectives of the Framework

The agreement broadly aims to restore Lebanese sovereignty, dismantle Hezbollah’s military infrastructure, and enable Israeli forces to withdraw to their recognised borders once security threats are assessed as neutralised. It also calls for renewed implementation of a fragile ceasefire between the two countries that had been agreed upon earlier but remained contested on the ground.

This comes amid sustained international pressure on both sides to move beyond the ceasefire phase toward a more durable political settlement. Notably, the framework stops short of a full peace treaty — that, according to Netanyahu, remains the longer-term goal contingent on security conditions being met.

What Comes Next

The immediate focus will be on whether the pilot disarmament programme in southern Lebanon gains traction, and whether the Lebanese government — which has historically had limited control over Hezbollah’s military wing — can enforce the framework’s terms. Analysts will also watch whether Iran, which Netanyahu identified as weakened by the deal, responds with pressure on Hezbollah to resist implementation. The durability of the agreement will depend heavily on ground-level compliance and continued US engagement.