Washington hosted the signing of a U.S.-brokered framework agreement between Lebanon and Israel following the fifth round of negotiations.

The agreement provides for security arrangements in two pilot areas in southern Lebanon, including a gradual Israeli withdrawal, the deployment of the Lebanese Army, and the disarmament of non-state armed groups.

Lebanese officials described the agreement as a first step toward a broader Israeli withdrawal, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israeli forces would remain until Hezbollah is disarmed.