US brokers Lebanon–Israel framework deal: Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon and deployment of the Lebanese army

The United States has brokered direct talks between Lebanon and Israel that have led to a framework deal for an Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon and the deployment of the Lebanese army in the area. The news comes at a critical moment, as UN peacekeeping operations in the country are winding down.

The deal, reported by Al Jazeera correspondent Ali Hashem, aims to replace the international presence with a new security mechanism guaranteed by Washington. The full details of the framework have not yet been made public, but it is expected to include a withdrawal timetable and verification measures.

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam has meanwhile warned of the risk of a security “vacuum” after UNIFIL’s mandate ends on December 31, calling for a follow-on international force to continue monitoring and liaison functions. After the mandate ends, UNIFIL will begin a gradual withdrawal during 2027.

The development follows months of border tensions, during which Israel has carried out repeated strikes in southern Lebanon and more than 60 Lebanese towns and villages remain occupied by the Israeli army. The framework deal is seen as the first concrete step toward a sustainable de-escalation on the northern front of the regional war.