Israeli and Lebanese Officers Begin Talks to Define Hezbollah-Free Zones Ahead of Withdrawal Pilot

In recent days, Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and Lebanese army officers have initiated communication through a U.S.-mediated channel to establish clear criteria defining a "Hezbollah-free zone." This dialogue precedes a planned pilot withdrawal from two villages in southern Lebanon, expected to begin in the coming weeks. A source familiar with the matter told Kan News that Lebanese officials recognize Israel's need for precise definitions based on past experiences and previous ambiguities regarding such zones.

Currently, there is no pressure from Lebanon on Israel to commence the withdrawal. Historically, Israel shared intelligence on Hezbollah activities with the Lebanese army, but leaks to Hezbollah compromised this cooperation. This time, Israel has provided a list of Lebanese officers, some relatively senior, suspected of passing information to Hezbollah, demanding their exclusion from the new mechanism.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened a closed security meeting focused on Lebanon. According to an Israeli source, Israel has yet to withdraw from the pilot areas and is awaiting confirmation from the Lebanese army and the U.S. Central Command that Lebanese forces are prepared to take control of the designated zones. Israel remains in a holding pattern not only in Lebanon but also regarding Gaza and Iran. Netanyahu aims to influence the emerging U.S.-Iran agreement, partly through an upcoming meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, potentially scheduled for late July.