Lebanon and Israel have moved closer to implementing a withdrawal plan that involves establishing “pilot zones” in southern Lebanon, marking a significant step toward easing tensions along their contested border. The U.S. State Department reported that after two days of mediation in Rome, both sides agreed on the structure and guidelines for these zones, where Israeli forces would pull back and the Lebanese army would assume control.
This breakthrough follows a framework agreement announced in late June, which outlines the withdrawal of Israeli troops from areas of southern Lebanon they currently occupy. In exchange, the Lebanese government aims to disarm Hezbollah, the Iran-backed militant group active in those regions. Despite initial delays on the ground, the recent negotiations yielded a consensus expected to finalize and enact the pilot zone process in the coming days.
The designated zones reportedly include the towns of Froun, Ghandouriyeh, and Zawtar, although the exact locations have not been officially confirmed in the State Department statement. These areas sparked controversy within Lebanon, as Israeli troops were reportedly absent from much of the chosen terrain, raising questions about the withdrawal's practical implications. The Lebanese army sought larger zones encompassing more Israeli-held territory, but the current agreement limits the scope.
The tensions between Hezbollah and Israel escalated sharply in early March when Hezbollah launched missile attacks across the border, shortly after joint U.S.-Israeli action against Iran. While Tehran and Hezbollah attempted to link broader U.S.-Iran negotiations to outcomes in Lebanon, the Lebanese government insisted on separating those issues. Lebanon has sought to negotiate directly with Israel to establish a ceasefire and ensure stability.
The framework agreement not only addresses troop withdrawals but also envisions a path toward a comprehensive peace accord between Lebanon and Israel, still technically at war despite nearly eight decades of hostilities since Israel’s founding. The U.S. indicated that after the pilot zones are implemented, expanded technical talks will follow with the goal of a full agreement to normalize relations.
However, Hezbollah remains a major obstacle, openly rejecting the withdrawal framework and refusing to disarm. Israeli officials have also signaled plans for an ongoing military presence in southern Lebanon, underscoring the fragility of the current progress.