Israeli and Lebanese military officers have commenced United States-mediated negotiations to establish clear criteria for a Hezbollah-free zone, ahead of a planned trial Israeli withdrawal from two villages in southern Lebanon, as reported by Israel’s public broadcaster KAN on Sunday.
Talks Aim to Prevent Implementation Misunderstandings
Citing unnamed Israeli security sources, KAN indicated that the contacts are designed to avert misunderstandings that could impede the implementation of the agreement. This follows previous disputes over the definition of such zones. Concurrently, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened a security consultation on Sunday with senior defense officials to address developments on the Lebanese front and the planned withdrawal.
Israeli Conditions for Withdrawal
According to an unnamed Israeli official cited by the broadcaster, Israel is awaiting confirmation from the Lebanese army and the US Central Command (CENTCOM) that Lebanese forces are prepared to deploy and take control of the designated areas before the withdrawal begins. The official stated that Israel has not yet started withdrawing from the two pilot areas and that the move is expected to commence in the coming weeks, provided the necessary arrangements are finalized.
Framework Agreement Signed in June
Under a US-mediated framework agreement signed by Israel and Lebanon on June 26, Israel consented to a gradual withdrawal from Lebanese territory, beginning with two trial areas. The agreement does not establish a specific timetable for a full Israeli withdrawal. It links further redeployments to the Lebanese army assuming full security responsibility in the evacuated areas and the disarmament of non-state armed groups, an apparent reference to Hezbollah.
Continued Israeli Military Operations
Israel has continued military operations in Lebanon since March 2, resulting in more than 4,300 deaths and over 12,000 injuries, according to official figures. Israeli forces also maintain occupation of areas in southern Lebanon, some held for decades and others seized during the 2023-2024 war, while advancing more than 10 kilometers into Lebanese territory during the latest offensive.
