Israeli Army Begins Withdrawal from Two Pilot Zones in Southern Lebanon

Israeli media reported that the army is set to start withdrawing from two pilot zones in southern Lebanon tomorrow, as stipulated in a U.S.-brokered framework agreement with Lebanon. The agreement opens a direct coordination channel overseen by the United States and creates a trilateral military coordination group to oversee the pull‑out and the deployment of Lebanese forces into the vacated areas. Israeli officials said the Lebanese army must move in immediately to prevent Hezbollah elements from occupying the zones.

A Hebrew channel also broadcast excerpts of a secret annex to the agreement, indicating that Lebanese army entry could take several weeks and that Israeli forces would retain freedom of action within the “yellow line.” The framework was signed after a fifth round of talks in Washington, with U.S. foreign minister Marco Rubio announcing the trilateral arrangement. The same reports noted ongoing casualties in Gaza from the broader conflict, underscoring the tense regional environment.