The United States confirmed this Monday the start of the Lebanese Army’s operations to take control of several localities in the south of the country as part of the agreement signed in June for the Israeli Army to withdraw from pilot zones.
These operations for the implementation of “pilot zones” have “begun” in the localities of Frun, Srifa, and Zautar Al Gharbiya, according to the State Department in a statement, referring to the agreement between Lebanon and Israel signed under the auspices of the United States.
“This milestone is the direct result of the talks held last week in Rome between Israel and Lebanon. The United States will continue to work closely with both parties to successfully implement the agreement”, said State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott in a statement.
In recent days, the parties have held talks on the implementation of “all aspects” of the framework agreement “with the aim of reaching a comprehensive agreement between Israel and Lebanon”. The security of these zones will be gradually assumed by the Lebanese Army if Israel perceives that there are guarantees.
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Both the Israeli and Lebanese sides have committed to establishing a military coordination group, with the support and participation of the United States, to ensure the overall implementation of the framework agreement.
Meanwhile, Washington will mobilize its international partners to actively support Beirut in the reconstruction of the country and the reactivation of its economy. However, the final withdrawal of the Israeli Army will be conditioned on the effective disarmament of Hezbollah.
