The first “pilot zone” in southern Lebanon from which Israeli forces are expected to withdraw could be launched within days under the U.S.-brokered Israel-Lebanon framework, according to American officials cited in multiple reports, as Washington presses both sides toward the implementation phase of the agreement.

Axios and i24NEWS reported that U.S. officials expect the initial pilot zone to move forward shortly, with CENTCOM coordinating implementation alongside Israel and Lebanon. The reports said additional pilot zones are already being mapped out and planned as part of the broader framework, with the upcoming talks in Rome expected to focus on launching the implementation stage.

At the same time, Lebanese officials are making clear that Beirut wants to see movement on the ground before returning to the table. CNN reported, citing a diplomatic source, that Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has tied Lebanon’s continued participation in talks with Israel to the beginning of an Israeli military withdrawal from occupied areas in southern Lebanon. A U.S. official also told Axios that the Lebanese government is refusing to attend another round of talks in Rome next week until Israel begins its initial withdrawal.

According to CNN, the current U.S.-brokered framework envisions Israel withdrawing from two areas along the Yellow Line before the Lebanese Army takes over security there, though there has been no indication that such a withdrawal has begun. Aoun also called for pressure on Israel to halt its military operations in Lebanon, while Defense Minister Yisroel Katz rejected the idea of a broader withdrawal and said Israel does not need permission to remain in Lebanon.

Channel 12 reported that the Lebanese Army has already begun extensive planning for the pilot phase, under which it is expected to enter two areas in southern Lebanon that the IDF is set to evacuate. According to that report, the Lebanese Army is determining force requirements, deployment plans and entry points for both areas, with the current plan calling for both zones to be entered simultaneously rather than in stages. No agreed timeline has yet been set, and the issue is expected to be discussed during next week’s talks.

The American side is also looking beyond the initial withdrawal phase. According to the reports, once negotiations resume, technical teams are expected to take over the implementation process, while the United States plans to bring in international partners to help Lebanon restore effective sovereignty in the affected areas and eventually across the country.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)