US Reveals Timeline for Initial Israeli Withdrawal from Southern Lebanon Ahead of Rome Talks

The United States has announced that the initial phase of the Israeli Defense Forces' withdrawal from southern Lebanon is expected to begin within days, focusing first on a designated pilot area. According to a senior American official, preparations are underway not only for this initial zone but also for additional pilot areas, with the US Central Command (CENTCOM) coordinating next steps with both Israel and Lebanon. This announcement comes amid a diplomatic impasse, as the Lebanese government refuses to attend the scheduled negotiation round in Rome next week, demanding that Israel first commence the initial withdrawal as previously committed.

The US official clarified that the upcoming Rome meeting is intended as a transitional stage, facilitating a closed-door discussion between Israeli and Lebanese negotiation leaders. This would enable the transfer of responsibilities to technical teams tasked with addressing all detailed issues outlined in the framework agreement between the two countries. Furthermore, the United States plans to engage international partners to help Lebanon reestablish effective control over the pilot areas and eventually across the entire country. "Soon we will reach out to international partners to assist the Lebanese government in restoring its sovereignty in these pilot zones and beyond," the official stated.

This development highlights ongoing US efforts to mediate and support the implementation of the withdrawal agreement, despite current Lebanese reluctance to proceed with formal talks without visible Israeli action on the ground. The coordination between military commands and diplomatic channels continues as the situation evolves.