Small Cabinet Meets on Lebanon as IDF Readies Pilot Handover

At 8:58 p.m. IDT, Ynet reported that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was convening a small security cabinet consultation on Lebanon and implementation of the Jerusalem-Beirut agreement. The flash said the IDF is preparing to hand two pilot areas to the Lebanese army. Rega News earlier reported that Israel had not yet withdrawn because it was waiting for confirmation from the Lebanese army and U.S. CENTCOM that Lebanese forces are ready to enter and control the areas. Israel should move only when Hezbollah's Iranian-backed threat is being displaced by accountable Lebanese state forces, while preserving IDF freedom of action for northern security.