Key facts
- Israel is preparing to withdraw from two southern Lebanon areas.
- The Lebanese army is expected to take exclusive control of these areas.
- The plan involves the gradual disarmament of Hezbollah.
- Lebanon's president stated Israeli occupation hinders army deployment.
- US Central Command approval is pending for the withdrawal project.
Israel is reportedly preparing to withdraw from two areas in southern Lebanon as part of a pilot project. The plan involves the Lebanese army taking exclusive control of these areas and gradually disarming Hezbollah. Lebanon's president, Joseph Aoun, stated that Israel's continued occupation of the south prevents the Lebanese army's deployment and hinders the establishment of peace. He emphasized the need to pressure Israel to withdraw its forces, as the persistence of the occupation undermines the state's legitimacy. Israel is awaiting approval from the US Central Command to proceed with the withdrawal and the entry of Lebanese forces into the designated zones.