US CENTCOM Commander to Visit Lebanon to Discuss Security Agreement Implementation

Lebanese broadcaster LBCI reported that US Central Command (CENTCOM) Commander Brad Cooper is expected to arrive in Lebanon within hours from Israel to discuss the implementation of security mechanisms linked to a recent framework agreement. According to a source closely following the negotiations, the discussions will focus particularly on establishing a joint committee to oversee the agreement's execution.

The source emphasized that there have been no changes to the agreement's text. From the outset, the position has been that pilot areas serve as a framework for a gradual Israeli withdrawal, ultimately leading to a full withdrawal from Lebanese territory. The current situation should be leveraged to begin implementation, as the commencement of withdrawals is expected to reduce criticism of the agreement. Priority will then shift to the return of displaced residents to their villages and the initiation of rehabilitation processes.