BEIRUT — The US-brokered framework agreement signed June 26 by Israel, Lebanon and the United States has sparked controversy over whether it prohibits Lebanon from pursuing legal action in international courts and forums for any alleged war crimes committed by Israel on Lebanese territory.

Lebanon and Israel held landmark direct talks at the ambassadorial level in Washington on April 16, following the resumption on March 2 of the long-running military conflict between Israel and the Iranian-backed Hezbollah militia in Lebanon. The signing of the agreement followed four days of intense talks at the State Department.

Under the 14-point framework, both Lebanon and Israel expressed their intent to formally end any state of war between them and committed to continuing US-backed negotiations toward a broader peace deal. The agreement also outlines a phased process under which Israeli forces would remain in parts of southern Lebanon until Hezbollah is completely disarmed and the Lebanese army takes control of the area. The agreement as a whole, as well as specific provisions, has deeply polarized public opinion in Lebanon.

The agreement