The IDF has begun pulling back from designated pilot zones in southern Lebanon, in the first operational test of the Israel-Lebanon withdrawal agreement signed Friday. Military correspondent Emanuel Fabian reports limited redeployments along the northern border, while the military continues operations in Gaza and the chief of staff addressed expanding women's combat roles.
The IDF has begun a limited withdrawal from pilot zones in southern Lebanon Sunday morning, military correspondent Emanuel Fabian confirmed in a daily briefing — marking the first operational test of the partial withdrawal deal signed between Israel and Lebanon on Friday evening. The move follows weeks of reported U.S. pressure and internal debate within the Israeli security establishment.
As The Zioneer reported on June 26, the agreement was described by Israeli officials as 'the beginning of the beginning,' establishing two pilot zones as an initial model for a gradual pullout. On Saturday, the military was reported to be preparing for the withdrawal to begin Sunday morning — which has now materialized.
The withdrawal covers limited redeployments along the northern border, while the IDF maintains its posture elsewhere in southern Lebanon. Concurrently, a separate strike in Gaza targeted a known Hamas operative, and IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi issued a statement on integrating women into combat roles — signaling that the military's operational pace remains high on other fronts even as the Lebanon front begins to de-escalate.
The withdrawal is not yet multi-source corroborated beyond Fabian's reporting; further details on the scope and timeline are expected as the pilot phase unfolds.
2 developments
- DevelopingIsrael and Lebanon sign partial IDF withdrawal deal
- DevelopingIDF begins rotating brigades out of southern Lebanon for rest and readiness
- DevelopingIDF has not yet begun withdrawal from southern Lebanon, troops await orders
- DevelopingReport: Gradual Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon to begin with Nabatieh test area
Source and signal
A single-sourced dispatch is never rated Confirmed or Strong. Its Signal strengthens only when a second, independent source corroborates it.
- Internal intake