Beirut, Lebanon – Web Desk: The United States is set to oversee a phased withdrawal of Israeli forces from designated “pilot zones” in southern Lebanon, with the initial pullback expected to begin within days, according to US and Lebanese officials . The development marks a significant step toward implementing a framework agreement reached on June 26 and paves the way for renewed negotiations between Israel and Lebanon next week .
US Central Command to Coordinate Withdrawal
A US official confirmed that American Central Command (CENTCOM) will supervise the gradual Israeli military pullback from the pilot zones, coordinating closely with both Israeli and Lebanese authorities throughout the process . The first pilot zone withdrawal could begin within days, with additional zones being mapped out for subsequent phases .
The US ambassador to Lebanon, Michel Issa, informed Lebanese President Joseph Aoun that an American military delegation would arrive in Beirut in the coming days to determine the implementation mechanism on the ground . Washington also plans to engage international partners to help restore Lebanese government authority in the evacuated areas .
Implementation of June 26 Framework Agreement
Under the framework agreement signed in Washington on June 26, Israel agreed to gradually withdraw from areas in southern Lebanon where it established a military presence during operations against Hezbollah . The Lebanese Armed Forces will take full control of two designated pilot zones once Israeli troops complete their withdrawal .
According to the Lebanese Embassy in the US, the agreement provides for “an Israeli withdrawal, deployment of the Lebanese army, and disarmament of armed groups not affiliated with the state” in the pilot zones . The initial measures constitute “the first step toward a gradual and comprehensive withdrawal from all Lebanese territory,” the embassy stated .
Lebanon had previously insisted on an Israeli pullout from the pilot zones as a precondition for participating in the next round of negotiations . With the withdrawal process now set to begin, officials believe the path has been cleared for direct discussions on broader security and stability issues .
Fresh Talks Scheduled in Rome
The next round of Israel-Lebanon talks is scheduled to take place in Rome next Wednesday and Thursday . Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar confirmed the negotiations, stating that “Israel has no territorial ambitions in Lebanon” .
A US official indicated that the talks would be conducted at the technical team level and closed to the press . The meeting is expected to address the remaining issues outlined in the framework agreement, with working groups established to elaborate on a comprehensive peace and security arrangement .
Challenges Remain for Full Implementation
The framework agreement does not establish a timeline for full Israeli withdrawal, and Israeli officials have indicated that forces will remain in a “security zone” approximately 10 kilometers deep as long as Hezbollah remains armed . Lebanon will exercise full responsibility over the pilot zones only upon “confirmation of successful disarmament of non-state armed groups,” referring to Hezbollah .
Hezbollah has rejected the framework agreement, with leader Naim Qassem stating that “not a single clause of the agreement will pass” . Despite these challenges, President Joseph Aoun is expected to visit Washington later this month at the invitation of President Donald Trump .
