Israel, Lebanon sign framework peace deal amid doubts over effectiveness

Israel and Lebanon signed a framework peace agreement Friday (local time) aimed at halting armed conflict with militant group Hezbollah.

Questions have been raised, however, about the deal's effectiveness. It is Hezbollah — not the Lebanese regular military — that has been actively fighting Israel, and the group was not a party to the agreement.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio signed the trilateral agreement at the State Department in Washington alongside Israeli Ambassador to the US Yechiel Leiter and Lebanese Ambassador to the US Nada Hamade Moawad, according to AP and Reuters.

"On Saturday, we have taken the first step on what will undoubtedly be a difficult journey, but one that is critically important, essential and necessary," Rubio said.

Both ambassadors said the agreement marked a first step toward protecting the sovereignty and preserving the peace of the two countries.

Hezbollah launched attacks against Israel after the United States and Israel began military operations against Iran on Feb. 28, and Israel has continued airstrikes targeting Hezbollah since then.

A ceasefire memorandum of understanding signed by the US and Iran, which took effect June 18, called for an end to military operations on all fronts, including Lebanon. Clashes between Israel and Hezbollah have continued nonetheless.