US delegation discusses Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon's 'trial zones'

A U.S. military delegation arrived in Beirut to coordinate with the Lebanese army on the phased withdrawal of Israeli forces from occupied southern Lebanese territories. The discussions center on implementing the first of two "trial zones" from which Israel will pull back, enabling the Lebanese army to deploy.

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A U.S. military delegation has arrived and begun meetings with the Lebanese army leadership to discuss the mechanisms for implementing the first trial zone from which the Israelis will withdraw, allowing the Lebanese army to deploy.

This initiative stems from a broader agreement reached on June 26. Under its terms, the Lebanese army, which has long been outside the conflict's immediate influence, will assume full control in these designated areas. A U.S. official stated that the first trial zone would be established within days, with other zones currently being mapped and planned.

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This is the main objective for which the U.S. military delegation has come to Lebanon... it is the implementation and adaptation of the general agreement.

The agreement, however, has been rejected by Hezbollah. Israel has also stipulated that its forces will remain in a 10-kilometer "security zone" as long as Hezbollah remains armed. Despite a ceasefire in the conflict, which began in March and has displaced over a million people in Lebanon, sporadic Israeli strikes continue.

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to establish the mechanism

Lebanon's participation in upcoming negotiations in Rome is contingent on Israel's withdrawal from the two trial zones. These talks, scheduled for next Wednesday and Thursday, precede an anticipated visit by Lebanese President Joseph Aoun to Washington at the invitation of Donald Trump.

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the first trial zone will be established within days, and other trial zones are currently being mapped and planned.