Israel, Lebanon sign US-brokered framework agreement

(JNS) - Israel, Lebanon and the United States signed a framework agreement and security annex on Friday aimed at removing the Iran-backed Hezbollah terrorist group from southern Lebanon and laying the groundwork for broader political cooperation between the neighboring countries.

"It's the beginning of the beginning. There's a lot of work ahead," U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said after the signing ceremony.

In a later statement, he called it "a bold decision" of Israel and Lebanon to come together.

The agreement followed five rounds of talks in Washington, including an unexpected fourth...