President Joseph Aoun said a deal signed with Israel on Friday was a first step towards fully restoring Lebanon's sovereignty after the latest war between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah.

"The framework agreement signed today is a first step" that will enable Lebanese "to return to their fully liberated lands, and to their certainly rebuilt homes... under the sovereignty of the Lebanese state that has no partner in its sovereignty over its land and people," Aoun said according to a statement released by his office.