Tensions rise in southern Lebanon following US-brokered agreement
On Friday, Lebanon and Israel signed a US-brokered framework agreement in Washington aimed at establishing long-term peace. The deal stipulates that Israeli forces may withdraw from occupied Lebanese territory only if Hezbollah is disarmed and control is transferred to the Lebanese army in specific pilot zones. Despite the agreement, the situation remains volatile as the Israeli military reported destroying a 200-meter-long, 25-meter-deep Hezbollah tunnel containing hundreds of weapons and rocket launchers on Sunday. Israel also conducted airstrikes in southern Lebanon, killing at least one person, and neutralized several Hezbollah fighters near the border. Hezbollah leaders, including Naim Qassem and MP Hassan Fadallah, have formally rejected the deal, labeling it invalid and a violation of national sovereignty. Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri also stated that the agreement would not be implemented in its current form. Conversely, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has expressed commitment to the state's responsibilities under the agreement during discussions with US officials. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz have emphasized that military operations will continue until threats against Israeli citizens are removed.