Israel and Lebanon Begin Implementing Ceasefire Agreement Amid Regional Tensions

A senior U.S. official announced on Thursday that Israel and Lebanon have moved into the implementation phase of their ceasefire agreement. The official noted that pilot zones for the agreement may expand as new areas are being mapped. Discussions scheduled for next week in Rome will be closed-door meetings aimed at transferring authority to technical teams to address issues outlined in the framework agreement.

The official added that the first pilot zone's implementation will commence within days, with the U.S. Central Command coordinating with both countries on next steps. Efforts will soon extend to neighboring countries to assist the Lebanese government in restoring sovereignty over pilot zones and other parts of Lebanon.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu commented on the ongoing conflict with Lebanon, stating that Hezbollah has lost most of its missile stockpile but remains funded by Iran. He emphasized that peace between Israel and Lebanon depends on Hezbollah disarming. Regarding Hamas, Netanyahu accused the group of refusing to disarm and attempting to evade commitments to maintain control over Gaza and continue terrorist attacks against Israel.

On Sunday, IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir conducted an operational assessment in southern Lebanon’s Bofor Ridge alongside Northern Command Chief Major General Rafi Milo and other commanders. Zamir inspected an underground Hezbollah command post and stressed that the Lebanese army must fulfill its obligations under the historic agreement by clearing Hezbollah militants and terror infrastructure. Meanwhile, the IDF remains prepared to respond swiftly if the ceasefire is violated.

About two weeks ago, Israel and Lebanon signed a framework agreement involving the withdrawal of IDF forces from parts of southern Lebanon to allow the Lebanese army to take control in a pilot arrangement. A senior diplomatic source described this as a working framework aimed at future agreements to end the conflict and achieve peace. Netanyahu also warned Iran against interfering in Lebanon, asserting that Israel, Lebanon, and the U.S. reject Iranian attempts to force an Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon.