U.S.-brokered Israel-Lebanon deal tests Iran agreement on Hezbollah disarmament

A U.S.-brokered agreement between Israel and Lebanon requires the Lebanese Armed Forces to gradually assume security duties in two southern pilot zones where Israeli forces are now operating against Hezbollah. The deal permits Israeli forces to remain until Hezbollah is disarmed and the Lebanese army can manage the group's threat, a U.S. government official told the New York Post.

The official said the arrangement supports Beirut's sovereignty as outlined in a prior U.S.-Iran memorandum.

Disagreement over sovereignty terms Iran's foreign minister stated last month that Israeli forces must withdraw immediately for the war to end, arguing the agreement violates the U.S.-Iran memorandum. The U.S. official countered that the memorandum protects Lebanon's right to confront Hezbollah and that the agreement reflects decisions by two sovereign governments.

The official said Lebanese officials and army members want to proceed but noted Hezbollah's deep integration into state institutions. The pilot zones were originally set to begin late last month but were delayed to allow joint monitoring mechanisms.

Hezbollah reaction remains uncertain The official described Hezbollah's response as a "wild card" that could affect the ceasefire. If the group rejects the arrangement and increases attacks, the official said months of diplomacy could collapse. The official added that an artificial withdrawal timeline without addressing core security issues would likely allow Hezbollah to return to the south.

Success will also depend on whether the Lebanese government can provide security and rebuild infrastructure in the affected areas.