Lebanese PM urges US to activate framework agreement

• Rubio backed the trilateral framework as the sole path to security.
• Naim Qassem rejected direct talks and disarmament demands, insisting on a full 'Israeli' withdrawal before discussing internal weapons.

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington on Monday, calling for the immediate activation of the framework agreement concluded between the Lebanese and 'Israeli' governments.

The bilateral framework -brokered under US auspices on June 26 following five direct negotiation rounds- stipulates the disarming of Hezbollah, the gradual withdrawal of 'Israeli' forces from occupied southern Lebanese territories, and the phased deployment of the Lebanese Armed Forces beginning in designated pilot zones.

Pursuant to the agreement, the Lebanese army deployed to the town of Zawtar al-Gharbiya in July following an 'Israeli' military withdrawal from its outskirts, alongside reinforced deployments in Srifa and Froun.

However, implementation stalled, and no additional pilot zones have been finalized.

Verification mechanism

According to a statement released by his office, Salam stressed the necessity of transitioning toward full activation of the trilateral framework by translating reciprocity and phased execution into tangible outcomes on the ground.

Salam highlighted that these steps are required to restore Lebanon's full sovereignty, achieve a total 'Israeli' military withdrawal, and ensure state monopoly over weapons across all Lebanese territory.

"It is essential to establish a clear timeline for executing the commitments detailed in the framework," Salam stated, according to his office. "This guarantees parallel progress on Israeli withdrawal, the extension of state authority, and the exclusivity of weapons, alongside creating a reliable verification mechanism to monitor compliance and prevent non-implementation from being used as a pretext to stall progress."

التقى رئيس #مجلس_الوزراء الدكتور #نواف_سلام وزير الخارجية الأميركي ماركو روبيو في مقر وزارة الخارجية الأميركية في واشنطن، بحضور وزير الخارجية والمغتربين يوسف رجي، ومستشار وزارة الخارجية الأميركية دان هولر، وسفيرة #لبنان لدى الولايات المتحدة الأميركية ندى حمادة معوض، والسفير… pic.twitter.com/MAunV4JEyi

— رئاسة مجلس الوزراء 🇱🇧 (@grandserail) September 28, 2026

Following the bilateral discussions, Rubio posted on X, reaffirming Washington's strong backing for the diplomatic path.

"The US strongly supports Lebanon in its implementation of the trilateral framework agreement as the only path toward achieving lasting peace with Israel," Rubio stated, adding that the US supports "a sovereign, independent Lebanon free from Hezbollah and Iranian influence."

Met with Lebanese Prime Minister Salam today, reaffirming strong U.S. support as Lebanon implements the Trilateral Framework – the only path to a durable peace with Israel. The United States stands with a sovereign Lebanon, free from Hizballah and Iranian influence. pic.twitter.com/p45kH9qCVU

— Secretary Marco Rubio (@SecRubio) September 28, 2026

Hezbollah resistance to disarming

The diplomatic deadlock occurs as direct negotiations between Lebanon and 'Israel', initially scheduled for September, were officially postponed until October.

The regional conflict prompted extensive 'Israeli' airstrikes and ground operations across southern Lebanon.

While violence subsided following a June US-Iran memorandum of understanding and the subsequent Lebanon-'Israel' framework agreement, 'Israeli' forces continue to conduct strikes and demolitions across occupied border towns in southern Lebanon.

Meanwhile, Hezbollah maintained its firm refusal to enter direct negotiations or surrender its arsenal.

Speaking on Sunday, Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem rejected the disarmament demands.

"All the pressure applied on Lebanon today aims to achieve what Israel failed to accomplish over two years... They want the Lebanese army to disarm Hezbollah," Qassem stated.

While Qassem noted readiness for internal dialogue regarding arms, he added: "Liberate the South first, and let the displaced residents return to their homes."

In mid-September, US Ambassador to Lebanon Michel Issa visited Zawtar al-Gharbiya to assess ground conditions and inspect progress across the pilot zones, according to an embassy announcement.