Lebanon, Israel to establish ‘pilot zones’ – Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

Following two days of U.S.-mediated discussions in Rome, Lebanon and Israel have advanced plans for "pilot zones" in southern Lebanon. These zones will facilitate the withdrawal of Israeli forces and the transfer of control to the Lebanese army, as confirmed by the U.S. State Department on Wednesday. The talks were described as "productive," with both parties agreeing on the structure and guidelines for this process, which is expected to be finalized and implemented soon. This development follows a "framework agreement" announced on June 26, aiming for an Israeli withdrawal in exchange for the disarmament of Hezbollah and eventual steps toward a peace agreement. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun had instructed his delegation to demand immediate Israeli withdrawal from the pilot zones before further discussions. U.S. President Donald Trump also expressed a desire for Israel to withdraw or "redeploy" forces from parts of Lebanon and southern Syria.