Lebanon Pullback Pilot Hinges on Monitoring Mechanism

The U.S. State Department published the Israel-Lebanon-U.S. framework after signing, establishing a Military Coordination Group to guide phased implementation in southern Lebanon. The first pilot covers Blida, Hula and Aitaroun, with a monitoring cell and verified Hezbollah disarmament before wider Israeli withdrawal. Ambassador Danny Danon said any Israeli exit depends on the Lebanese army keeping Hezbollah away from the border. The framework is a serious test: Israel should trade positions only for verified disarmament and durable security for northern communities.