Israel to Return First Lebanese Territory

Israel is expected to return control of the first section of Lebanese territory currently held by its forces within days under a US-backed plan aimed at advancing border security arrangements, according to CNN.

Citing a US administration official, the report said the initial "pilot zone" will be handed over to Lebanese authorities in the coming days, with additional areas already being identified for future transfers. US Central Command (CENTCOM) is coordinating the process with both Israel and Lebanon.

The official said Washington will also engage international partners to support the Lebanese government in restoring state authority over the transferred areas and across the country more broadly.

Closed-door negotiations involving Israeli and Lebanese representatives are scheduled to take place in Rome next week.

The planned handover follows a framework agreement signed by Israel and Lebanon on 26 June after five rounds of US-mediated talks in Washington.

Under the deal, the Lebanese Armed Forces are expected to gradually restore sovereign control across the country, while non-state armed groups are to be disarmed and their military infrastructure dismantled, paving the way for an Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon.