IDF Pullout From Lebanon Pilot Zone Moves Toward Launch

U.S. officials said the Israel-Lebanon framework has moved into implementation, with the first southern Lebanon pilot zone expected to launch in the coming days and CENTCOM coordinating with both governments. Under the Washington framework, Israel is to pull troops from two small areas cleared of Hezbollah infrastructure and the Lebanese Armed Forces are to deploy there so Lebanese state forces, not Hezbollah, hold the ground. Rome talks next week are expected to shift the file to closed technical teams. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun tied further talks to the start of Israeli withdrawal, while Israel continues to insist any pullback must preserve northern communities' security.