Lebanese Army to Enter Areas IDF Will Withdraw From in South Lebanon Soon

The Lebanese Army has begun extensive planning to enter two areas in southern Lebanon that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) will soon evacuate, according to information shared with Israel. This move is part of a framework agreement between Israel and Lebanon aimed at redeploying forces in the region. The Lebanese military is preparing the necessary troop deployments and entry points for simultaneous entry into both zones, rather than a phased approach.

While no exact timetable has been finalized, the operation is expected to commence within days. Discussions to finalize the schedule are set to take place next week between the two countries. An American official involved in the talks confirmed that the implementation phase of the agreement has begun, with the first pilot area set to start shortly and additional zones under mapping and planning.

CNN reported that Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has conditioned Lebanon's continued participation in negotiations with Israel on the start of the IDF withdrawal from the occupied areas in southern Lebanon, according to a diplomatic source. This development marks a significant step in the ongoing efforts to stabilize the border region between Israel and Lebanon.