A draft framework discussed during this week's U.S.-mediated negotiations between Lebanon and Israel outlines a far-reaching political, security, and reconstruction arrangement that would tie an Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory to Hezbollah’s disarmament and the expansion of Lebanese State authority across the country.

The proposed document, described as a “declaration of intent” between the State of Israel and the Lebanese Republic, also lays out plans for direct negotiations between the two countries, international support for rebuilding Lebanon, and the eventual end of the United Nations peacekeeping mission in southern Lebanon.

The brief statement issued on Friday by the U.S. State Department following the latest round of talks did not reveal details of the discussions between the delegations. However, according to information obtained by Lebanese media outlet Al-Modon, the negotiations went well beyond arrangements related to a ceasefire or an Israeli withdrawal.

The discussions reportedly covered the future relationship between Lebanon and Israel, the role of the Lebanese army, security arrangements in southern Lebanon, reconstruction efforts, and the return of displaced residents.

According to the report, Israel — backed by the United States — presented a series of conditions and proposals aimed at securing long-term security guarantees and ensuring that southern Lebanon would come under the exclusive control of the Lebanese army following Hezbollah’s disarmament.

The draft proposal also suggested that the United States and Israel would play a major role in shaping the future security structure of southern Lebanon and the future status of the Lebanese armed forces.

Under the proposed framework, the governments of Israel and Lebanon, “with the support of the United States under the leadership of President Donald Trump,” would commit to pursuing a comprehensive agreement aimed at ending the conflict between the two countries, establishing “stable and peaceful relations,” and restoring “full Lebanese sovereignty over all Lebanese territory.”

The draft states that both countries recognize “the right of each state to live in peace and security within internationally recognized borders” and declare their intention to work toward “a full and comprehensive agreement.”

Israel would commit to “full respect” for Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and would agree to withdraw from all Lebanese territory while renouncing “any ambitions of territorial expansion.”

In return, Lebanon would reaffirm its commitment to restoring full State sovereignty across the country and maintaining the state’s exclusive monopoly over the use of force.

The draft explicitly states that the Lebanese army would assume “full responsibility” for Lebanon’s defense and sovereignty, while “non-state armed groups” would no longer be allowed to maintain “any military or security role or armed capabilities anywhere in Lebanon,” in a direct reference to Hezbollah.

The framework envisions Israeli forces handing over occupied Lebanese territory to the Lebanese army, which would then assume full security control in parallel with reconstruction efforts and the return of displaced civilians to southern Lebanon.

The return of residents would take place under “full Lebanese State sovereignty” and in a manner “that poses no threat to Israel,” according to the draft.

The two sides, with U.S. support, would negotiate practical mechanisms and timelines for implementing the process.

The draft also includes a major U.S.-backed effort to strengthen Lebanon’s army. The United States and its international partners would support a program to train and equip the Lebanese army with the stated aim of reinforcing state authority and helping Lebanon regain control over all its territory through “a capable and professional armed force.”

The plan says the initiative would facilitate the “safe and orderly return” of displaced residents and contribute to “lasting security and stability in the Middle East.”

One of the most notable provisions concerns the future of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, or UNIFIL.

The draft states that both countries acknowledge that UNIFIL’s mandate will expire on Dec. 31, 2026, “without any further extension or renewal,” in line with a future U.N. Security Council decision.

It adds that the U.N. secretary-general would be tasked, by June 1, 2026, with exploring alternative arrangements for security assistance and monitoring following the peacekeeping force’s withdrawal.

Separately, the United States would coordinate international support for Lebanon’s reconstruction, infrastructure rehabilitation, economic recovery, and humanitarian assistance.

The draft says Washington would mobilize aid programs, reconstruction projects, economic recovery plans, and investment initiatives designed to help Lebanon recover from years of conflict and “provide a better future for all its citizens.”

To implement the proposal, Lebanon and Israel would engage in direct negotiations facilitated by the United States.

The two governments would also commit to continuing talks “in good faith” until reaching a comprehensive agreement that would bring “security, stability and prosperity” to both peoples.

The draft describes the proposed declaration as “a meaningful step toward ending the suffering of the Lebanese people, restoring Lebanon’s full control over its territory, and providing lasting security for the people of Israel.”

Although the document remains unofficial and has not been formally adopted, its contents suggest that Washington is attempting to transform the current ceasefire negotiations into a broader diplomatic framework that would reshape the security and political landscape along the Lebanese-Israeli border.