Details and Deadlocks of the Peace Agreement Between Israel and Lebanon

Israel and Lebanon have agreed on a comprehensive peace framework mediated by the ABD. This framework aims to have the two neighboring countries recognize each other's right to exist and end the state of war between them. One of the most critical articles of the agreement is the Lebanese army's commitment to ensuring control across the country and disarming Hezbollah and other armed groups. However, these conditions were firmly rejected by Iran-backed Hezbollah, with the group describing the situation as a surrender. Therefore, whether lasting peace can be achieved in the region remains highly uncertain at this time.

The security dimension of the agreement envisages the creation of two pilot zones in the initial phase. Infrastructure work will begin in these zones, and civilians who fled from Israeli attacks will be encouraged to return to their homes safely. A 'Security Team' to be formed in the subsequent process will clarify detailed military arrangements and verification mechanisms. A coordination group, which also includes the ABD, will closely monitor the implementation of the agreement on the ground. Nevertheless, the practical difficulties regarding the disarmament of Hezbollah reveal how complex this process could be.

Israel's withdrawal process from southern Lebanon stands out as one of the most debated topics in the region. Israel officially announced that it has no territorial ambitions over Lebanese territory and will withdraw its soldiers once the Hezbollah threat is completely eliminated. However, this does not indicate that Israel will soon abandon the 'security zone' it occupies. Israeli soldiers are planned to remain in the region until Hezbollah is completely disarmed and ceases to be a threat. This situation poses a serious crisis for the Lebanese state in terms of both sovereignty and security.

The peace framework is not limited to security and military steps; it also encompasses civil cooperation and reconstruction. The ABD plans to launch a major support campaign, acting together with its international partners, for the reconstruction of Lebanon. In this context, the repair of destroyed infrastructure, ensuring economic recovery, and delivering humanitarian aid are among the primary goals. Additionally, both countries agreed to cease their hostile actions in international law and political arenas, and to cooperate in prisoner exchanges and the finding of missing remains. These articles are considered a diplomatic effort to reduce tensions between the two countries in the long term.

This latest peace initiative remains in the shadow of previous, failed ceasefire attempts in the region. The previous ceasefire reached in Kasım 2024 required Israel's withdrawal from southern Lebanon and Hezbollah's disarmament, but these goals were never fully achieved. The Lebanese government's efforts to seize Hezbollah's weapons did not satisfy Israel, and Israel gradually resumed its attacks. Tensions peaked, particularly after the attack carried out by Israel and the ABD on Iran on 28 Şubat, which killed Iran's religious leader Ali Hamenei. The new wave of conflict, which began with Hezbollah firing into northern Israel, led Israel to expand its ground operations and intensify its airstrikes.