Israel Begins Pilot Withdrawal From Southern Lebanon Amid US-Lebanon Talks and Hezbollah Warning

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

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 US commitment to a full Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon. In return, Trump is anticipated to condition further Israeli withdrawal on Lebanon's commitment to ending Hezbollah's military presence nationwide and fully implementing its obligations. The US also plans to 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 a renewed US-Iran conflict could provoke a broad Israeli military response, causing extensive damage across Lebanon. They cautioned that Lebanese state institutions and infrastructure would not be immune to potential military actions, with southern regions including Dahieh, Baalbek, and Hermel at risk of further destruction. Hezbollah strongly opposes President Aoun's approach, viewing it as a forced concession under US pressure that threatens national principles and risks deepening Lebanon's internal divisions.

Unresolved issues remain in the withdrawal agreement, including the lack of an agreed supervisory body to assess the Lebanese army's effectiveness and unclear criteria defining "weapons-free" zones. Lebanon insists on a full Israeli withdrawal from remaining IDF-controlled areas as a precondition for continuing the agreement's implementation. The pilot withdrawal and diplomatic talks represent a critical test for Lebanon's sovereignty and the future of security arrangements in the south.