Beirut, Lebanon – The Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth reported that the Lebanese army has officially begun deploying in the first “experimental zone.” This comes as part of the implementation of the framework agreement between Israel and Lebanon. This deployment coincides with Israeli preparations to hand over the second experimental zone to the Lebanese side.
Deployment details and strategic locations
The newspaper explained that the first pilot area entered by the Lebanese army is located north of the security zone previously controlled by the Israeli army. Specifically, it lies in the vicinity of the Shiite villages of Frun and Randouriya, in the Bint Jbeil district of southern Lebanon.
While the Israeli army was not stationed in the first area handed over to Lebanon, the second area, currently being prepared for handover, does have an Israeli military presence. The official announcement of the start of the pilot phase is expected next Sunday, prior to the Lebanese president’s departure for Washington. These areas are of paramount strategic importance, as they lie north of the “Yellow Line,” near Wadi Salouqi and the Litani River, regions that have been the scene of intense military operations, both during the Second Lebanon War and the current ground offensive.
Framework Agreement Mechanisms and International Oversight
The framework agreement stipulates a gradual transfer of full security responsibility to the Lebanese Armed Forces across pilot zones. This is intended to ensure the verifiable redeployment of the Israeli army and the deployment of Lebanese forces. The first two zones have already been agreed upon, with the determination of additional zones to be addressed in subsequent agreements.
During the talks held in Rome under US mediation, the “Italian proposal” emerged, calling for the deployment of Italian forces to oversee the demilitarization of these areas and ensure they are free of Hezbollah elements. This proposal came after Israel and the United States categorically rejected the participation of UNIFIL forces in supervising the operation.
The debate over evaluation and sovereignty
The newspaper noted a divergence of views during the negotiations. Israeli military representatives stressed the need for the Israeli side to evaluate the pilot program before proceeding, while the Lebanese side insisted that the Lebanese army assume full responsibility for both the territory and the evaluation process. With discussions on this issue reaching an impasse, the Italian proposal is now under consideration by the parties involved. This comes amid anticipation of developments in the coming days.
