Israel ready to withdraw troops from Lebanon zones amid Rome talks

Israel announced its readiness to proceed with troop withdrawals from two designated "pilot zones" in southern Lebanon, as high-level negotiations resumed in Rome. The talks, brokered by the United States, aim to solidify a framework agreement reached last month, which calls for an end to the conflict with Hezbollah, the disarmament of the Lebanese militant group, and the deployment of Lebanese troops in the south.

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Israel is ready to move forward implementing these two pilot zones. I hope and tend to believe that this round of discussions in Rome will promote it.

Gideon Saar, Israel's foreign minister, expressed optimism about the Rome discussions, stating Israel's commitment to implementing the pilot zone withdrawals. However, the Lebanese presidency indicated a demand for the immediate start of Israeli withdrawal before further discussions. The proposed agreement faces significant opposition from Hezbollah, which outright rejects it, tempering expectations for a swift resolution.

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the Lebanese army is ready to gradually take control of the localities from which the Israeli army would withdraw

According to a Lebanese diplomatic source, the Lebanese army is prepared to assume control of areas vacated by Israeli forces. Yet, a key sticking point remains Israel's insistence on ensuring Hezbollah's absence from these zones and verifying the Lebanese army's capacity to maintain them as neutralized areas. A US military delegation has already begun discussions with the Lebanese army regarding the withdrawal process.

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willing to withdraw gradually

Despite the ongoing negotiations, the situation remains tense. The Israeli army has continued limited strikes in southern Lebanon, and Lebanese authorities report over 4,300 casualties since the conflict began in March. Analysts express skepticism about the likelihood of a breakthrough in Rome, citing the deep divisions and the ongoing hostilities.

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that there will be no presence of Hezbollah in the areas that Israel is withdrawing from