Lebanon Proposes Expanding Pilot Zones in South to Bint Jbeil and Al-Khiam Amid Israel Talks

Lebanon has proposed expanding the existing "pilot zones" in southern Lebanon to include the cities of Bint Jbeil and Al-Khiam, both of which hold symbolic and geographic significance. This proposal was introduced during the first day of the seventh round of negotiations between Israel and Lebanon, currently taking place in Rome. The talks, confirmed by the U.S. State Department to have started on August 4 and expected to continue until August 6, aim to establish lasting security for both countries, remove security threats to Israel, and restore Lebanese state control over southern Lebanon.

The discussions have split into two tracks: a political track focusing on the land border and a military track addressing monitoring and verification mechanisms. Lebanon’s delegation has based its border stance on the 1949 armistice agreement, the Blue Line, and current territorial realities. Lebanese sources report that Israel has, for the first time, shown willingness to discuss a possible re-demarcation of the recognized border.

A key military issue is identifying a "third party" to verify that areas from which Israel withdraws are cleared of Hezbollah weapons and infrastructure before being handed over to the Lebanese army. Lebanon indicates the U.S. will not directly oversee this task, and other countries are being considered for the role. Israel has yet to respond officially to Lebanon’s proposal regarding Bint Jbeil and Al-Khiam, prompting Lebanon to prepare alternative suggestions.

An Israeli political source cited by Lebanese media noted that Israel’s internal political situation and upcoming Knesset elections complicate prospects for significant Israeli withdrawal. While Lebanon describes the atmosphere on the second day of talks as more positive, no joint statement has been issued, and there is no confirmation from Israel or the U.S. that agreements have been reached on expanding pilot zones or on the monitoring mechanism.