US to oversee Israeli pullout from pilot zones in southern Lebanon

A U.S. military delegation arrived in Beirut to coordinate the first phase of Israel’s withdrawal from designated “pilot zones” in southern Lebanon. The United States said the initial pilot zone will be implemented within days, with additional zones being mapped out and planned, and that U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) will work with both Israel and Lebanon on the ground.

The withdrawal follows a framework agreement signed in Washington on 26 June, under which Israel will gradually pull its forces from two small pilot zones and hand control to the Lebanese army once non‑state armed groups, chiefly Hezbollah, are confirmed disarmed. Lebanon has made the Israeli pull‑out a pre‑condition for participating in the next round of technical talks in Rome on 15‑16 July.

Hezbollah has rejected the agreement and insists on retaining its weapons, while Israel has said it will keep a 10‑km security zone until Hezbollah’s disarmament is verified. U.S. officials emphasized that preventing a security vacuum is essential and that international partners will be engaged to help Lebanon restore sovereignty in the zones and across the country.