Key facts
- Lebanon will attend upcoming talks in Italy if Israel withdraws from two "pilot zones" in the south.
- The talks are scheduled for July 15-16 in Rome.
- Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri rejected the "pilot zone" concept, advocating for a full Israeli withdrawal.
- Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed that ending the war in Lebanon, including Israeli withdrawal, is part of the US-Iran agreement.
- Israeli officials indicated that withdrawal from the "pilot zones" will be a lengthy process.
- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated Israeli troops will remain in southern Lebanon until the Hezbollah threat is eliminated.
Lebanon has indicated its willingness to participate in the upcoming round of direct negotiations in Rome, scheduled for July 15-16, provided that Israeli forces withdraw from two designated "pilot zones" in southern Lebanon. This condition was reported by AFP, citing a diplomatic source.
The framework for these talks was established following US-led discussions in Washington, where an agreement was reached to create "pilot zones." Within these zones, the Lebanese armed forces were expected to assume exclusive control, excluding any non-state actors.
However, Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri has voiced strong opposition to the "pilot zone" concept. He insists that Israel must fully withdraw from all occupied Lebanese territory as stipulated by a US-Iran memorandum of understanding. Berri argues that such zones risk prolonging the occupation and that Lebanon is divided into districts, not "pilot zones."
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has supported Lebanon's position, stating that ending the war in Lebanon, which includes Israel's withdrawal from occupied territories, is an integral part of the agreement between Tehran and Washington. Sources suggest Iran pushed for language safeguarding Lebanon's sovereignty and territorial integrity within the memorandum.
Despite the Lebanese government's stated commitment to a permanent ceasefire, Israeli withdrawal, and deployment of the Lebanese Army to the border, Israeli officials have indicated that the withdrawal from the "pilot zones" will take time. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that Israeli troops will remain in southern Lebanon as long as Hezbollah poses a threat.
The "pilot zones" themselves have been described as including areas like Zawtar and towns south of the Litani River, with some residents and officials noting that these areas were not under occupation prior to the framework deal. The agreement has faced criticism in Lebanon for being one-sided and potentially hindering legal action against Israel.