US Confirms Agreement on Pilot Zones in Lebanon as IDF Prepares to Withdraw

A senior US official announced that an agreement has been reached on the structure of a pilot project in Lebanon, which will be implemented in the coming days. The pilot involves the Lebanese army entering two areas in southern Lebanon from which the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) will withdraw. This development follows two days of productive talks in Rome between the United States, Israel, and Lebanon.

The official stated that the guidelines for the pilot zones are finalized and will soon be put into action. Following this, the parties will engage in extended technical discussions aimed at implementing all aspects of the framework agreement to reach a comprehensive accord between Israel and Lebanon.

Last week, it was reported that the Lebanese army had begun extensive planning for the pilot, including determining the required troop numbers, deployment, and entry points into the two zones. The Lebanese forces are expected to enter both areas simultaneously rather than in stages.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hailed the agreement as a significant achievement, emphasizing that the pilot zones near the Blue Line, recommended by the IDF, will facilitate Hezbollah's disarmament and transfer control of the territory to the Lebanese army. Netanyahu rejected attempts to force Israel out of the area through various pressures, affirming Israel's continued presence.

This pilot project marks a critical step toward stabilizing the border region and implementing the broader framework agreement between Israel and Lebanon.