Lebanon is awaiting the launch of the first phase of Israel’s withdrawal from two pilot areas in the south, although no date has yet been set. The move remains uncertain amid Israeli military violations and threats, while Hezbollah continues to denounce the US-brokered framework agreement as “nonexistent” and refuses to cooperate in its implementation. Speaking Sunday from Beaufort Castle overlooking southern Lebanon, Israeli Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir issued fresh warnings. He described the Beaufort area as “packed with terrorist infrastructure,” saying Hezbollah, “with Iranian funding and direction,” had spent decades building underground tunnels and military networks there to threaten Israeli communities in the north. Zamir stressed that the Lebanese army “must fulfill its commitments under the historic agreement” by clearing the area of Hezbollah operatives. He added that the Israeli military would continue acting “decisively” against threats from Lebanese territory and was prepared to launch a rapid offensive if the ceasefire were violated. He also claimed Hezbollah had been significantly weakened by Israeli military operations and was now relying on Iran for support. Israeli Pressure, Hezbollah Rejection Against this backdrop, Lebanese officials say implementation of the pilot-zone provision is being hindered by resistance from both Israel and Hezbollah. Ministerial sources told Asharq Al-Awsat that contacts are underway to establish a US-chaired trilateral committee comprising the United States, Lebanon, and Israel to oversee the deployment of the Lebanese army in two pilot zones covering the towns of Froun and Ghandouriyeh in Bint Jbeil district, and Zawtar al-Gharbiyeh in Nabatieh district. The committee would supervise the pilot phase, with Washington expected to pressure Israel to proceed. However, the sources said Hezbollah’s refusal to cooperate further complicates implementation. US Mediation The sources said Washington is holding talks with both Iran and Israel in an effort to devise a mechanism for a simultaneous Israeli withdrawal and Hezbollah redeployment. Israel insists that its withdrawal be linked to Hezbollah’s evacuation of the areas, while Hezbollah maintains that no such steps will be taken before Israel pulls out. They added that contacts had slowed in recent days because of Iran’s near-total absence from diplomatic exchanges, as Tehran has been preoccupied with funeral ceremonies following the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Despite the lull, Israel’s public broadcaster Kan reported Sunday that preparations for the next withdrawal phase were advancing under direct US coordination. The plan calls for a joint mechanism to oversee the ceasefire and transfer security responsibility to the Lebanese army. The pilot phase is part of the US-brokered framework agreement, which envisions two experimental security zones under the exclusive control of the Lebanese army, alongside reconstruction efforts and the return of displaced residents, under the supervision of a US-led trilateral military coordination group. Continuing Violations Israeli forces continued military operations in southern Lebanon. Artillery shelled the towns of Braachit and Deir Siryan, while an Israeli drone dropped two stun grenades over Hadatha in Bint Jbeil district. An Israeli helicopter also carried out aerial sweeps over Majdal Zoun, while fighter jets flew over Beirut’s southern suburbs, Sidon, and surrounding areas. Israeli forces also continued demolishing homes and neighborhoods in several southern villages, most recently in Talloussah in Marjayoun district. Meanwhile, the Lebanese army said its engineering units had dismantled four unexploded Israeli munitions in Meifadoun, Braachit, Kfardounine, and Shaqra, moving them to secure locations while urging residents to report suspicious objects. Politically, Hezbollah escalated its criticism of the framework agreement. Hezbollah MP Hassan Fadlallah argued that the deal “has no provision that serves Lebanon,” claiming it seeks to achieve through diplomacy what Israel failed to impose by force: entrenching the occupation, creating a buffer zone, shielding Israel from international legal accountability, and ultimately eliminating the “resistance.” Fadlallah also asserted that the agreement lacks constitutional, legal, and national legitimacy, declaring that Hezbollah would not allow its implementation. He insisted that southern Lebanon’s villages “are not a testing ground” and that the group would continue to uphold what it described as its right to defend Lebanon.
