After Israel and Lebanon signed a preliminary agreement in Washington on Friday aimed at establishing a lasting peace between them, the reaction in Lebanon was immediate and sharply divided.
Supporters of the US-brokered deal said it was a move to curtail Iranian influence in Lebanon, setting out a pathway for the disarmament of the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah, which Israel is at war with. They also said it asserts Lebanese sovereignty over the country’s internal security.
Others, not least Hezbollah, rejected the framework, calling it a capitulation to Israeli and American demands that could deepen divisions inside Lebanon.
On Friday night, hours after the deal was announced, protesters, mostly aligned with Hezbollah, took to the streets of the capital, Beirut, waving the militant group’s yellow flags and denouncing the government.
The Core of the Deal
At the core of the agreement is a phased security arrangement in which the Lebanese Armed Forces would gradually assume control over all Lebanese territory as nonstate armed groups, like Hezbollah, are disarmed and their military infrastructure is dismantled.
In parallel with that, Israeli forces would carry out a staged withdrawal from the territory, more than six miles into Lebanon, which they have occupied since early March.
The deal represents a significant shift in Lebanon’s political landscape, potentially reducing the influence of Hezbollah, which has been a dominant force in the country for decades.
Divided Reactions
For supporters, the agreement is a step toward restoring Lebanese sovereignty and ending the conflict with Israel. They see it as an opportunity to reduce Iranian influence and stabilize the country.
For opponents, particularly Hezbollah and its allies, the deal is a surrender. They argue that it forces Lebanon to accept Israeli demands without securing meaningful concessions in return. The protests in Beirut reflect the deep anger and frustration among those who feel the government has capitulated.
The US and Israel have both hailed the deal as a breakthrough. US officials say it could pave the way for broader regional stability. Israeli leaders have framed it as a security victory.
The Bottom Line
Lebanon is deeply divided over a US-brokered preliminary agreement with Israel, which would see Israeli forces withdraw from occupied territory and Hezbollah disarmed. Supporters say the deal curtails Iranian influence and restores Lebanese sovereignty. Opponents, including Hezbollah, called it a capitulation, sparking protests in Beirut on Friday night. The agreement marks a significant shift in Lebanon’s political landscape, potentially reducing Hezbollah’s power while leaving the country polarized.
