Lebanon and Israel Prepare Rome Talks as US Confirms Imminent IDF Withdrawal Pilot

Lebanon and Israel are scheduled to hold talks next week in Rome to discuss implementing a framework agreement reached in Washington. An American official stated on Thursday that a pilot program, under which the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) will withdraw from a designated area in southern Lebanon and be replaced by the Lebanese army, is expected to begin within days. Additional pilot zones are currently being mapped and planned, with the US Central Command coordinating progress with both countries. The US plans to engage international partners soon to help Lebanon effectively restore sovereignty in these areas and eventually across the entire country.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun reportedly links Lebanon’s continued participation in talks with Israel to the start of the Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon. Aoun is expected to meet with US President Donald Trump in Washington on July 21. During a meeting with US Ambassador to Lebanon Michel Aoun, the Lebanese president urged pressure on Israel to halt military activity in southern Lebanon.

However, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz indicated that Israel will not fully withdraw from its security zones. Speaking at a graduation ceremony for a pilot course, Katz emphasized Israel’s right and duty to protect northern residents from jihadist threats and confirmed ongoing operations against terror infrastructure near the border villages as part of Operation "Silver Plow." Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also affirmed that Israel will maintain its security zone in southern Lebanon as long as necessary to safeguard northern Israeli communities.