An annex to the framework agreement signed in Washington between Israel and Lebanon was made public on June 29 by Asharq Bloomberg, shedding light on a detailed security mechanism centered on the disarmament of Hezbollah and all non-state armed groups in Lebanon.
Under the agreement, the phased withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon is directly tied to the successful implementation of this disarmament process.
The document provides for the establishment of pilot zones south of the Litani River, where the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) will gradually replace Israeli troops. The process is divided into four stages: neutralizing armed groups and dismantling their infrastructure, verification by an agreed third party, deployment of the LAF to assume full operational control, and finally the launch of reconstruction efforts with international support.
In addition, a Military Coordination Group for Lebanon (MCG4L) will be established to oversee implementation of the agreement, verify compliance, and manage disputes between the two sides, with the United States acting as facilitator.
A risk of internal conflict?
The annex explicitly commits the Lebanese Armed Forces to disarm Hezbollah and prevent any military activity by non-state armed groups. In return, Israel pledges to carry out a phased and conditional withdrawal from Lebanese territory. That withdrawal, however, will only proceed once the disarmament process has been deemed complete and verifiable.
The stated objective is to restore the Lebanese state’s full authority over its territory while ensuring Israel’s long-term security through international oversight and indirect bilateral military coordination.
On the ground, however, the situation remains fragile. Lebanese authorities say that 400,000 displaced people, around 40% of the more than one million displaced since the conflict erupted last March, have already returned to their home regions.
Meanwhile, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun met with Lebanese Army Commander General Rodolphe Haykal on June 30, according to An-Nahar. The meeting comes as the president has voiced support for the military institution amid criticism from several Lebanese political factions, including Hezbollah, the Amal Movement, and Walid Jumblatt’s Druze political camp.
The implementation of the framework agreement is expected to be one of the greatest challenges ever faced by the Lebanese Armed Forces, which are now tasked with overseeing Hezbollah’s disarmament. Whether this can be achieved without triggering armed clashes or further destabilizing Lebanon remains an open question.
Source: Asharq Bloomberg / An-Nahar