The United States will provide an immediate $100 million in humanitarian assistance through the United Nations after Israel and Lebanon signed a U.S.-brokered trilateral framework aimed at ending years of cross-border conflict, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on June 26.
In a statement, Rubio said the agreement, signed by Israel, Lebanon and the United States, establishes a roadmap to restore Lebanese sovereignty, dismantle Hezbollah's military infrastructure and create conditions for Israeli forces to return to their border positions once security threats are removed, Caliber.Az reports.
The framework also establishes a U.S.-facilitated Military Coordination Group for Lebanon (MCG4L) to oversee implementation of the agreement between the two countries.
Rubio said Washington would remain actively involved in implementing the framework and pledged $100 million in humanitarian assistance in coordination with the United Nations. He also said the U.S. Department of War is prepared to reimburse the Lebanese Armed Forces with more than $30 million under existing authorities to strengthen the military's ability to assert state control across Lebanese territory.
The U.S. described the agreement as a significant step toward reducing tensions along Israel's northern border and supporting Lebanon's efforts to reassert authority over areas where Hezbollah has maintained a strong presence.
Rubio said Washington would work with regional partners to implement the framework, calling it an important step toward a more stable and secure Middle East.
By Sabina Mammadli
