Washington, DC – A US official announced that the first pilot area in Lebanon from which Israeli forces will withdraw and the Lebanese army will assume control will be determined in the coming days.
This comes as part of arrangements aimed at implementing gradual steps on the ground along the southern border.
Identifying the first pilot area
The US official said work is underway to identify the first pilot area where control will be transferred from Israeli forces to the Lebanese army.
He indicated that the announcement of this area would be made within days.
He explained that this step represents the beginning of a field mechanism
aimed at testing the withdrawal arrangements and the handover of areas.
It is expected to contribute to strengthening stability along the border.
Preparing maps for additional areas
The US official added that the relevant parties are continuing to map and identify additional pilot areas.
These could be included in later phases of the plan, in ongoing coordination among the stakeholders.
The official did not specify the number of areas that the program might cover,
nor did he provide a timeline for completing the withdrawal process.
Efforts to reduce tension in southern Lebanon
These statements come amid international efforts to stabilize the situation in southern Lebanon
and support the Lebanese army’s role in extending its control over border areas.
It is hoped this will reduce the likelihood of military escalation.
Observers are awaiting the announcement of the first pilot zone and the mechanism
for implementing the withdrawal, hoping this step will pave the way for further de-escalation measures.
They also hope it will enhance stability along the Lebanese-Israeli border.
