Israel, Lebanon Discuss Pilot Plan for Israeli Withdrawal From Parts of South Lebanon

Israel and Lebanon are discussing a U.S.-backed pilot project that would see Israeli forces withdraw from selected areas in southern Lebanon and transfer control to the Lebanese Army, Reuters reported.

The proposal was raised during the fifth round of direct negotiations between Israel and Lebanon, which began this week in Washington and is focused on consolidating a ceasefire agreement and addressing the mechanism for an Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanese territory.

The talks, which are scheduled to continue over three days, are being held simultaneously at both political and military levels for the first time, reflecting efforts to advance discussions on security arrangements along the border.

According to Reuters, the proposed pilot project would involve Israeli forces pulling out of designated areas in southern Lebanon, with the Lebanese Army gradually deploying to those locations as part of a phased process aimed at strengthening the ceasefire and reducing tensions.

The initiative follows discussions during a previous round of negotiations, when the concept of "pilot zones" in southern Lebanon was first introduced as a potential confidence-building measure.

Meanwhile, a fragile calm prevailed across southern Lebanon on Tuesday after reports of Israeli violations in several areas a day earlier. The incidents reportedly subsided, with no major exchanges of fire reported, although Israeli troop movements were observed in some locations.

The negotiations come amid ongoing international efforts to stabilize the situation along the Israel-Lebanon border following months of hostilities that raised fears of a broader regional conflict.

The discussions are expected to focus on mechanisms for implementing and sustaining the ceasefire, as well as arrangements for Israeli troop withdrawals and the deployment of Lebanese state institutions, particularly the army, in border areas.

Any agreement on pilot zones would be viewed as a potential step toward broader implementation of ceasefire provisions and efforts to restore stability in southern Lebanon.