UN: Israel-Lebanon Agreement a Milestone Towards Peace

United Nations Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric stated that the agreement reached between Israel and Lebanon, mediated by the United States, represents a milestone towards lasting peace.

The trilateral framework between the US, the State of Israel, and the Republic of Lebanon—announced on 26 June—is a milestone in efforts to end a decades-long conflict and advance lasting stability, Dujarric said during a press conference on Monday.

We continue to stress the importance of resolving outstanding issues through dialogue to achieve sustainability on both sides of the Blue Line, and to ensure sovereignty and security for both Israel and Lebanon, he said.

Dujarric reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to supporting Israel and Lebanon in complying with their obligations as they lay the groundwork for permanent peace.

The conflicting parties did not exchange fire over the weekend, he said, citing the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). Colleagues at UNIFIL informed us that no projectile launches were detected in the mission’s area of operations over the weekend, Dujarric said.

However, peacekeeping forces continue to observe kinetic ground activity by the IDF (Israel Defense Forces) as well as air violations over Lebanon, he added.

Previously, the US, Israel, and Lebanon signed a trilateral framework agreement on resolving the armed conflict between the Middle Eastern nations. The signing took place in Washington.

The leader of the Lebanese Hezbollah movement, Naim Qassem, said the Washington agreement is not binding, calling it a loss of sovereignty. The agreement includes, among other provisions, maintaining a security zone for Israel in Southern Lebanon and, according to the Israeli side, the complete disarmament of Hezbollah in Lebanon.