Israel Begins Pilot Withdrawal from Southern Lebanon Amid US-Lebanon Diplomatic Talks

Israel has initiated a pilot program for a gradual military withdrawal from southern Lebanon, focusing on three villages: Farran, Sarifa, and Zotar al-Arabi. Lebanese army forces have started deploying in Zotar al-Arabi, conducting engineering operations to clear explosives left by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). The pilot aims to test whether the Lebanese army can maintain exclusive armed control in the area, prevent Hezbollah's return, and ensure regional security. The process is monitored by an American oversight mechanism, with Israel maintaining freedom of action to respond to any Hezbollah violations.

This development coincides with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun's official visit to Washington, his first in 17 years, where he is expected to meet US President Donald Trump. Aoun seeks a clear American commitment to a full Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon. In return, Trump is anticipated to condition continued withdrawal on Lebanon's commitment to ending Hezbollah's military presence nationwide and fully implementing its obligations. The US may also encourage cooperation between Lebanon and Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa regarding Hezbollah.

Diplomatic sources in Beirut have issued stern warnings that any Hezbollah involvement in renewed US-Iran tensions could provoke extensive Israeli military retaliation, causing widespread destruction in Lebanon, including in Hezbollah strongholds such as Dahiya, Baalbek, and Hermel. The Lebanese government and Hezbollah remain divided, with Hezbollah opposing negotiations perceived as concessions under US pressure, warning that such moves deepen internal national divisions.

Unresolved issues remain, including the absence of an agreed supervisory body to evaluate the Lebanese army's effectiveness and unclear criteria defining "weapons-free zones." Lebanon insists on a full Israeli withdrawal as a precondition for further implementation of the ceasefire agreement. Israel emphasizes it will act decisively against any Hezbollah breaches to maintain security in the border region.