Netanyahu seeks US talks as Israel plans phased withdrawal from southern Lebanon

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is preparing a visit to Washington to meet President Donald Trump, aiming to improve strained U.S.–Israel relations and influence any cease‑fire agreement. The trip is expected to address Iran, Lebanon and the inclusion of ballistic‑missile safeguards in forthcoming negotiations.

In parallel, Netanyahu chaired a security meeting to approve the specifics of Israel’s withdrawal from southern Lebanon under the June 26 framework agreement. senior security and military officials discussed the areas to be vacated, the creation of "Hezbollah‑free zones" and the staged, pilot withdrawal from two villages, with coordination from the United States and other international actors. The plan remains contingent on Lebanese security guarantees and monitoring mechanisms.