Saudi-owned channel Al-Hadath reports that a principled agreement has been reached between Israel and Lebanon on the so-called 'pilot zones' in southern Lebanon, and that the details will be finalized in a round of negotiations today in Washington. The report, citing sources, also says the sides have produced an advanced draft of a memorandum of understanding between Israel and Lebanon, expected to be published today.
Al-Hadath reported early Thursday afternoon that a principled agreement has been reached between Israel and Lebanon on the framework of so-called "pilot zones" in southern Lebanon — areas where a limited Israeli withdrawal would allow the Lebanese army to deploy as a test case. According to the report, the finer points are expected to be resolved in a fresh round of talks in Washington later Thursday, and a more advanced draft of a memorandum of understanding between the sides could be published as soon as today.
The report deepens the thread that began late Tuesday, when The Zioneer first reported that preparations were underway for a limited withdrawal beyond earlier pledges. By Tuesday evening, a senior US official confirmed to Reuters that Israel was planning to withdraw from additional areas, and later that same hour a US official claimed Israel had already pulled back from parts of its zone — a claim immediately denied by both Jerusalem and Beirut. Then, at 20:11 on Tuesday, two sources briefed on the talks told The Zioneer that understandings were crystallizing on a limited pilot-based withdrawal, but stressed that no forces had yet moved. Al-Hadath's Thursday report now asserts that a principled agreement has been reached, though no official Israeli or Lebanese confirmation has followed.
As The Zioneer has tracked over recent days, the negotiations have unfolded at the Pentagon and in Washington, alongside reports of US-mediated talks on a broader regional deal. A report Wednesday morning said Israel and Lebanon were discussing a US pilot plan under which Lebanese forces would receive US training before taking over handed-over territory. Lebanon's demand for a "clear and specific timeframe" was separately reported by Al-Hadath on Wednesday evening.
What remains unverified: whether a signed memorandum of understanding has indeed been produced and will be released; the precise size, location, and timeline of the pilot zones; and whether the Lebanese army is prepared to deploy even in limited areas without broader political cover.
6 developments
- DevelopingIsrael and Lebanon discuss US pilot plan for handover of southern Lebanon territory
- DevelopingIsrael and US reach new understandings on Lebanon front, Israel Hayom reports
- DevelopingLebanon demands 'clear, specific timeframe' for Israeli withdrawal, US source tells Al-Hadath
- DevelopingReport: Lebanon-Israel talks atmosphere improves, US hopes for agreement
Source and signal
- Internal intake