Rome Talks Define First Southern Lebanon Pilot Zone

Israeli and Lebanese negotiators in Rome reached a preliminary agreement Wednesday defining the first southern Lebanon pilot zone. The zone comprises West and East Zawtar, Ghandourieh, Burj Qalawiyah, Srifa and Froun, combining areas held by Israeli forces with areas under Israeli fire. Lebanese presidency sources said implementation should begin within hours or days, and no later than one week, with a third party rather than Israel verifying Lebanese Army deployment. The framework requires the Lebanese Army to take exclusive control after Hezbollah weapons and operatives are removed, enabling a phased Israeli withdrawal.