US-backed plan in Washington proposes Lebanese army takeover of Israeli-vacated lands - analysis

A new round of Israel-Lebanon talks, initiated in Washington on June 23, centers on a US-backed proposal for the Lebanese army to assume control of territories vacated by Israeli forces. This initiative emerges amid complex regional dynamics, with Iran attempting to support its Hezbollah proxy and linking the conflict to ongoing Iran-US negotiations in Switzerland.

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talks between Israel and Lebanon include discussion of a US-backed proposal for Israeli forces to hand over some of the territory they have invaded during the war with Hezbollah to the Lebanese military, according to Israeli and Lebanese officials.

The US has reportedly pressured Israel to adhere to a genuine ceasefire with Hezbollah, a departure from previous ceasefires that saw continued hostilities. The current proposal, discussed for over a month, aims to establish a "pilot" project where the Lebanese army would administer areas evacuated by the IDF. This would involve US support through vetting and improving specific Lebanese army units to enhance their capability.

Past attempts to disarm Hezbollah have been unsuccessful, notably in 2025 when the Lebanese Army had a significant opportunity due to Hezbollah being weakened and cut off from Iran. However, the army failed to act decisively. The current proposal, as noted by Arab News, suggests that Lebanese troops would undergo US training and vetting to ensure they are not linked to Iran-backed Hezbollah, while Israel would maintain a military presence in a buffer zone along the border.

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the Israeli officials said the Lebanese troops involved would undergo US training and vetting to ensure they are not linked to Iran-backed Hezbollah, while Israel would maintain a military presence in a buffer zone along the ‌border.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has confirmed that the determination of model areas for this handover remains under discussion, pending approval. This plan represents a potentially revolutionary shift for Lebanon, aiming to consolidate the ceasefire and address the nitty-gritty details of border management and security. The success of this initiative hinges on the Lebanese Army's ability to effectively manage these areas and potentially counter Hezbollah's influence, a challenge it has previously failed to meet.

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Lebanese President Joseph Aoun confirmed that determination of the model areas remains under discussion ‘pending approval from the