US Ambassador Michel Issa Urges Careful Rollout of Lebanon Pilot Zones

U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Michel Issa called for a cautious implementation of the United States‑backed pilot security zones in southern Lebanon, warning that moving too quickly could endanger civilians. He emphasized that extensive technical work is required to ensure safety on the ground and that a measured approach to the first zone will allow future zones to proceed more efficiently.

Issa noted that talks in Rome are ongoing and expressed hope for a successful outcome. The pilot zones include the southern Lebanese towns of Froun, Srifa and Zawtar al‑Gharbiya, where the Lebanese army has already deployed alongside coordination with Israel, the United States and the Military Coordination Group for Lebanon.