Netanyahu calls framework agreement a historic achievement

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun pledges the Lebanese state would assume its responsibilities in implementing the US-brokered framework agreement between Lebanon and Israel during a phone call with US President Donald Trump Saturday.

Aoun also expresses hope the United States would help prevent violations of the agreement and ensure that all commitments reached under the deal are fulfilled.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu calls the framework agreement announced in Washington on Friday, a "historic achievement" that "strengthens Israel and Lebanon, and weakens Iran and Hezbollah."

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz says the framework agreement "makes is clear that the future of Lebanon will no longer be dictated by Iran and Hezbollah."

He says, "The important principle established in the agreement is that there will be no redeployment by Israel in southern Lebanon, no withdrawal, as long as the terrorist organisation Hezbollah is not disarmed throughout Lebanon, and the safety of the residents of the north is guaranteed."

The agreement is being described as a first step toward peace following months of conflict between Israel and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah.

Meanwhile one person was killed and two others injured Saturday in an Israeli drone attack targeting the town of Nabatieh al -Fawqa in southern Lebanon.