Lebanon and Israel move toward implementing withdrawal agreement, US officials say

Israel and Lebanon Negotiate Pilot Zones in Rome to Implement Ceasefire Framework

Israel and Lebanon concluded two days of U.S.-brokered talks in Rome on Wednesday, marking the sixth round of negotiations aimed at implementing a framework agreement signed on June 26 in Washington. Both sides described the discussions as positive, reporting progress toward the creation of two pilot areas in southern Lebanon. The negotiations, mediated by the United States, focused on practical steps to advance the implementation of the existing framework, including Israeli withdrawals from designated areas, greater deployment of the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), and mechanisms to ensure Hezbollah does not re-establish a presence in the pilot zones.

Rome Negotiations and the Pilot Zone Mechanism

The Rome talks, held at the U.S. Embassy, marked a shift from previous discussions by excluding military representatives, focusing instead on the ambassadorial level. Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. Michael Leiter stated that Israel is continuing to promote the “pilot zones” plan, but emphasized that any further progress and Israel Defense Forces (IDF) withdrawal will depend on dismantling Hezbollah’s presence on the ground. According to Leiter, the United States and Lebanon are working to prepare the conditions for launching these zones.

A U.S. State Department official confirmed Wednesday that Israel and Lebanon have agreed that Israeli forces will begin withdrawing from pilot zones in the coming days, with the Lebanese army deploying to the vacated areas. This serves as the first concrete step toward implementing the U.S.-brokered framework aimed at ending Israel’s military presence in the country.

Disputes Over Sequencing and Sovereignty

The implementation process faces internal and procedural hurdles. Lebanese Deputy Prime Minister Tarek Mitri told Middle East Eye that the framework is not workable in its current form and cannot become a binding agreement without approval from the Lebanese government. Mitri drew a distinction between the president’s constitutional role in negotiating and the Council of Ministers’ role in approving any final agreement. He noted that because the framework had not been brought before the cabinet, it remained a beginning of a process rather than a legally binding document.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun expressed a different view on Wednesday, stating that the U.S.-sponsored framework is “the best possible option” and has already begun producing results. Speaking to a delegation from the Orthodox Gathering, Aoun remarked, “Our goals are clear, and we will not be lenient when it comes to Lebanon’s rights.” Aoun added that while disagreement is legitimate, conflict is not, noting that, Hatred does not build a state or institutions. It destroys.

Operational Details and Regional Context

Operational planning for the pilot zones involves specific geographic targets. Sources told LBCI that the initial pilot zone is expected to include Zawtar El Gharbiyeh, located north of the Litani River, where Israeli forces are currently deployed. The plan also includes several villages south of the Litani River: Froun, Ghandouriyeh, Srifa, Qalaouiyah, and Borj Qalaouiye. In these areas, the Lebanese army would be tasked with deploying, establishing full control, and dismantling Hezbollah infrastructure.

To finalize these details, a virtual meeting between Lebanese and Israeli military officials is scheduled for Friday. This session is intended to discuss military specifics, finalize the boundaries of the two pilot zones, and determine the timeline for the transition of control.

The diplomatic efforts in Rome were supported by Italy, with Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani highlighting Italy’s role in hosting the July 14-15 talks. Tajani noted that he had spoken with both delegations to encourage an agreement, though he acknowledged that the process is complicated by the effective resumption of armed confrontation between the United States and Iran.

Looking ahead, President Aoun is scheduled to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington on July 21. Aoun stated on July 13 that he would ask President Trump to exert “the necessary pressure” to facilitate the start of the Israeli withdrawal. As the negotiations move from broad principles to the challenges of implementation, deep differences remain between the two sides, even as they commit to supporting the sovereignty and security of both countries.