Israel urged by US to withdraw from southern Lebanon

Israeli forces are reportedly preparing to withdraw from select areas in southern Lebanon within days, a move that comes ahead of a new round of US-brokered negotiations between Beirut and Tel Aviv. Israeli public broadcaster KAN reported that the withdrawal is intended to coincide with the upcoming talks in Rome.

The framework agreement, signed on June 26, stipulates a phased withdrawal of Israeli troops from occupied Lebanese territory, starting with two unspecified initial areas. KAN indicated that the planned pullout is a response to pressure from both the US and Lebanon for Israel to vacate these areas before the next round of discussions.

The sixth round of US-sponsored talks between Lebanon and Israel is scheduled for next week in Rome. In a separate report, KAN stated that the Israeli government has ordered its military to freeze all sensitive operations in southern Lebanon at Washington's request. The framework agreement does not set a specific timeline for the complete withdrawal.

Implementation hinges on the Lebanese army assuming full security control of the evacuated zones and the disarmament of armed factions, particularly Hezbollah, which has rejected these terms. Israel currently occupies several areas in southern Lebanon, maintaining a buffer zone that extends several kilometers into Lebanese territory along the border. This zone was established during the recent conflict with Hezbollah and expanded after increased military operations began on March 2, which Lebanon considers a violation of its sovereignty.