Israeli and Lebanese officials on Friday inked a framework agreement aimed at permanently ending hostilities between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah militant group, following days of talks mediated by the US in Washington.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the deal as "an important step toward achieving peace between Israel and Lebanon," but added that there was "still a long way to go."
Hezbollah, which operates independently of the Lebanese government, was not part of the talks and rejects them. The Shiite group has so far not commented on the agreement signed by Lebanon's ambassador to the US, Nada Hamadeh Moawad, and Israeli Ambassador to the US Yechiel Leiter.
The signing came just hours after Israel again attacked Hezbollah fighters in southern Lebanon, stoking fears that the talks might collapse.
A ceasefire has been in place between Hezbollah and Israel since June 19. After repeated violations from both sides, it has largely held in recent days.
The Washington talks were aimed at strengthening the ceasefire, with the Lebanese government hoping to convince Israel to totally withdraw its troops from southern Lebanon.
The Israeli government has repeatedly emphasized that it will only withdraw from the neighbouring country once Hezbollah has been completely disarmed.
Broadcaster Al Jazeera cited Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem as saying on Friday evening that Israel must leave Lebanon unconditionally.
