Israel, Lebanon agree on ceasefire plan with Hezbollah withdrawal, army deployment in 'pilot zones'

Israel and Lebanon have reached an agreement for a ceasefire that hinges on Hezbollah ceasing all fire and withdrawing from southern Lebanon.

“

the first step is that the Hezbollah fighters, these terrorists who have come down to the south have to go back to the north. We will guarantee them safe passage as long as they leave. But after a certain amount of time -- which is not very long -- if they don't make their way back to the north, then they know exactly what's coming.

The proposed arrangement, announced after U.S.-led talks in Washington, stipulates that Hezbollah fighters must withdraw north of the Litani River. Lebanon's army would then deploy in "pilot zones" to assert exclusive control, barring any non-state actors. This move is seen by Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam as a tangible step toward a full Israeli withdrawal.

However, the Iran-backed group has rejected the proposal, calling instead for a comprehensive ceasefire and the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanon. Analysts like Michael Young of the Carnegie Middle East Center note the plan is fraught with potential problems and ambiguities but acknowledge it as the first serious attempt to address Hezbollah's disarmament.

“

the army's planned deployment in such areas was a tangible step that "does not prejudice our right to a full (Israeli) withdrawal, but brings us closer to it".

Young suggests that allowing the Lebanese army to take over the pilot zones after a Hezbollah withdrawal could prevent direct confrontation between the military and the militants. He also infers that the plan reflects a U.S. understanding that a full-scale assault to disarm Hezbollah is not a realistic option for the Lebanese army. Lebanese authorities, facing pressure from the U.S. and Israel, have taken the symbolic step of banning the group's military activities.

“

is full of pitfalls, full of potential problems and ambiguities. But it's the first serious plan... where they are addressing Hezbollah's disarmament.