Lebanon has said a US delegation is expected to oversee the implementation of an Israeli withdrawal from designated “pilot zones” in southern Lebanon, as efforts continue to advance a framework agreement aimed at reducing tensions along the border. The announcement came from the Lebanese presidency, which cited discussions between President Joseph Aoun and US Ambassador to Lebanon Michel Issa.
According to the Lebanese presidency, an American military delegation will arrive in Beirut in the coming days to help determine the mechanism for implementing the agreement on the ground. The move comes as Lebanon seeks progress on Israel’s withdrawal before participating in a new round of negotiations scheduled for July 15 and 16 in Rome.
Lebanon has insisted that Israel withdraw from the specified zones before the upcoming talks, according to diplomatic sources familiar with the discussions. The framework agreement reached on June 26 includes provisions for Hezbollah’s disarmament and a gradual Israeli withdrawal from areas in Lebanese territory, alongside the deployment of the Lebanese army in the designated zones.
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However, the agreement has faced challenges, with Hezbollah rejecting the arrangement. Israeli officials have also stated that their forces will remain in a security zone in southern Lebanon as long as Hezbollah continues to maintain military capabilities. The framework agreement does not include a specific timeline for a full Israeli withdrawal.
US Ambassador Michel Issa stressed the importance of preventing any security vacuum during the withdrawal process. Lebanese officials have called for coordinated implementation to ensure stability and avoid renewed conflict in areas affected by the military presence.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has urged the United States to put pressure on Israel to halt military operations and follow the terms of the framework agreement. Aoun is also expected to visit Washington later this month after receiving an invitation from US President Donald Trump, with regional security issues expected to remain a key topic of discussion.
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