Israel Coordinates With Lebanon and US Ahead of South Lebanon Withdrawal Pilot

Israeli and Lebanese military officers have been engaging in a US-mediated coordination channel to establish operational criteria defining a "Hezbollah-free zone" in southern Lebanon. This effort aims to create a unified operational language and reduce misunderstandings ahead of a pilot withdrawal from two villages in the region, planned for the coming weeks. Israeli security officials emphasize that clear criteria are essential for implementing the withdrawal, especially given past uncertainties about the Lebanese army's control over the area.

Israel has submitted a list of Lebanese officers suspected of passing intelligence to Hezbollah, demanding their exclusion from the coordination mechanism to safeguard information security and maintain trust between the parties. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a security meeting with senior officials to discuss the northern front, with Israeli sources stating that the withdrawal has not yet been finalized. Israel is awaiting confirmation from the Lebanese army and the US Central Command that Lebanese forces are prepared to deploy, take control of the designated areas, and prevent Hezbollah's return.

Alongside developments in the north, Israeli political leadership continues to monitor situations in Gaza and Iran. Netanyahu is reportedly seeking to influence ongoing US-Iran negotiations, potentially through a meeting with US President Donald Trump, with the visit possibly scheduled for late July.