IDF Begins Pilot Withdrawal in South Lebanon to Transfer Control to Lebanese Army

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have initiated a pilot program called "Safe Zone" in southern Lebanon, following directives from Israel's political leadership. This initiative, launched on Monday, involves coordination between the IDF, the United States Central Command, and the Lebanese Army to implement a new security arrangement. The pilot covers three villages, Faron, Sarifa, and Zawtar al-Gharbiya, and aims to test the Lebanese Army's ability to assert sovereignty as the sole authorized armed force in the area, particularly to disarm Hezbollah's illegal weapons.

As part of the pilot, the IDF will reposition its forces to enable the Lebanese Army to take over security responsibilities in the designated zones. The IDF emphasized that any changes will maintain force protection, self-defense rights, and the capability to neutralize threats. The final decision on the pilot’s continuation remains pending. The United States will oversee a strict monitoring mechanism to ensure compliance, with the IDF prepared to respond decisively to any violations by Hezbollah.

The Lebanese military has confirmed its ongoing operations in the southern areas, including the three villages, and is coordinating with the U.S.-led military coordination group to facilitate the transition. This move is seen as a critical test of the Lebanese Army’s readiness to confront Hezbollah effectively. The pilot follows recent diplomatic talks in Rome between Israel and Lebanon and coincides with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun’s first official visit to the White House, where U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio praised Lebanon’s willingness to pursue peace but stressed that peace is unattainable while Hezbollah remains armed.

Rubio underscored the need for a strong Lebanese government capable of monopolizing state weaponry and fostering prosperity, warning that Hezbollah’s Iranian-backed militia threatens regional stability. President Aoun called for increased U.S. support for Lebanon and its army to implement the agreement. The U.S. reaffirmed its commitment to the trilateral talks and to facilitating the framework agreement’s execution, marking a significant step toward regional stability.