Israel to trial troop withdrawal from South Lebanon

Israel is set to commence a pilot phase for the withdrawal of its forces from southern Lebanon, with the process potentially beginning as early as Sunday, June 28, 2026. This move is a direct outcome of a framework agreement recently finalized between Lebanon and Israel, with the United States facilitating the negotiations.

According to Israeli media reports, the Israeli military will start pulling back troops from two pilot areas in the Nabatieh region of southern Lebanon on Sunday morning. The withdrawal is planned to occur in full coordination with the Lebanese army. This close collaboration aims to ensure that Lebanese forces can swiftly occupy the vacated areas, addressing concerns about the potential presence of Hezbollah fighters.

Despite the agreement, an Israeli security official indicated that the Israeli military reserves the right to engage any elements posing a threat to its forces, even after the accord's signing. The official also noted that the troop reduction in southern Lebanon is ongoing, with forces remaining vigilant ahead of further withdrawal phases contingent on the trial stage's success.

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) Commander Brad Cooper is expected to visit northern Israel to oversee the commencement of this initial Israeli troop withdrawal from the two pilot zones in southern Lebanon. Cooper began his visit to Israel on Friday, June 26, 2026. The framework agreement, mediated by the U.S., outlines a gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanese territory, starting with these initial trial areas.

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The Israeli military will continue to reduce its forces in southern Lebanon while remaining vigilant ahead of additional withdrawal phases that depend on the results of the trial stage.