Lebanon says Israel framework opens path for future negotiations

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said the US-sponsored framework signed with Israel should be viewed as a roadmap for negotiations rather than a binding peace agreement. Speaking in an interview with Lebanon's LBCI broadcaster, Salam said the initiative is intended to establish the process for future talks aimed at reaching a broader settlement.

Framework aims to guide negotiations

Salam said describing the initiative as a "framework agreement" has led to misunderstandings. "We are talking about a guiding framework for negotiations to define their path with the aim of reaching an agreement, not an agreement or treaty," he said.

While acknowledging that Lebanon does not seek negotiations with Israel as a preferred option, Salam argued that years of conflict had left the country with few alternatives. He said previous wars had caused billions of dollars in direct and indirect economic losses.

State authority and Hezbollah

According to Salam, successful implementation of the framework should result in a full Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory and allow displaced residents in southern Lebanon to return safely to their homes.

"Our goal is the return of southerners to their homes and stopping the bleeding," he said.

The Lebanese premier also reaffirmed the government's policy of limiting weapons to state institutions while avoiding internal conflict. "We do not seek confrontation with Hezbollah, and we must seek to prevent armed confrontation with it. But we will not submit to blackmail or threats of civil war, and we will not retreat from restricting weapons to the state," he said.

Agreement outlines next steps

Last week, Beirut and Tel Aviv signed the US-backed framework intended to facilitate a phased Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory and reduce cross-border hostilities. The document does not establish a fixed timetable for Israel's withdrawal from disputed areas and links the process to the Lebanese army assuming responsibility for security in areas vacated by Israeli forces, alongside the disarmament of armed groups operating outside state control, including Hezbollah.

Israel has maintained a military presence in parts of southern Lebanon for years and expanded its control during the 2023-2024 conflict. According to Lebanon's Health Ministry, Israel's military offensive since March 2, 2026, has killed more than 4,000 people, injured over 12,000 and displaced more than one million residents.