🔶 Israeli forces’ withdrawal from the test area in southern Lebanon

A U.S. official said on Thursday that the departure of Israeli forces from the first of two designated test areas in southern Lebanon will begin in the coming days. These areas, under an agreement signed last month between Israel and Lebanon in Washington, are set to be handed over to the Lebanese army after the Israeli army withdraws.

Under a framework agreement between Israel and Lebanon, the Israeli army has agreed to withdraw from two small areas in southern Lebanon that, according to officials, have been cleared of Hezbollah infrastructure.

After the departure of Israeli forces, the Lebanese army will be deployed in these areas. Despite two weeks having passed since the signing of the agreement, Israeli forces remain present in both areas.

A U.S. official said the first test area “will be operational within a few days,” and that other areas are also being identified and planned. He added that U.S. Central Command, CENTCOM, is coordinating with both countries to advance this process.

According to the report, CENTCOM will first announce that the first area is ready for the deployment of the Lebanese army, and then Israeli forces will withdraw.

The United States has scheduled the next round of negotiations between Israel and Lebanon for next week in Rome.

Previously, Beirut had said it would not take part in these negotiations unless Israel carries out the agreed-upon withdrawal.

However, the recent progress in the process of exiting the first area appears to have been sufficient to persuade Lebanon to send a delegation to Rome.