Will Israel Withdraw from Southern Lebanon? U.S. Proposal Puts the Lebanese Army at the Forefront

Washington is hosting a new round of political and security talks between Lebanese and Israeli officials as part of U.S.-backed efforts to discuss new security arrangements in southern Lebanon that could pave the way for a partial Israeli withdrawal from areas seized during the recent conflict and their transfer to the Lebanese Army.

The negotiations come at a sensitive moment in the regional landscape, alongside ongoing international efforts to reinforce the ceasefire and strengthen stability along Lebanon’s southern border after months of military confrontation and heightened security tensions.

The Lebanese Army at the Center of the U.S. Proposal

According to information discussed during the ongoing meetings, the U.S. proposal is based on the creation of what are described as “pilot zones,” under which Israeli forces would withdraw from specific locations and Lebanese Army units would assume responsibility for deployment and security control. The phased mechanism is intended to test the effectiveness of the new arrangements before expanding them further.

The initiative is viewed as an attempt to reinforce Lebanese state authority in border areas, while Beirut continues to stress that its primary objective remains a full Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory where Israeli forces are still deployed.

These discussions coincide with ongoing efforts to uphold the ceasefire in Lebanon, which serves as the principal political and security framework for the current talks.

According to statements reported by Reuters, citing officials from both sides, the United States is considering additional support for the Lebanese Army to enable it to carry out security responsibilities and oversee areas that may be evacuated in the future.

Israel Links Withdrawal to Security Guarantees

Israel, meanwhile, has maintained that any withdrawal from border areas would remain contingent on security arrangements it considers necessary to prevent the re-emergence of threats along its northern frontier.

Israeli officials said Lebanese forces participating in the proposed plan would undergo U.S.-supervised training and vetting procedures aimed at ensuring their independence from any non-state armed groups.

Tel Aviv has also emphasized that it still sees a need to maintain a military presence at certain border positions during the transitional phase, a point that remains one of the key issues under negotiation.

Beirut Focuses on a Withdrawal Timeline

Lebanese sources familiar with the discussions said the Lebanese delegation is primarily focused on securing a clear and defined timetable for the withdrawal of Israeli forces, arguing that the success of any future arrangement requires an explicit commitment to the principle of full withdrawal.

The talks are also addressing technical aspects related to the deployment of the Lebanese Army, mechanisms for field coordination and security oversight, and the management of areas that may be included in the first phase of the proposed plan.

The consultations are taking place amid continued security violations in southern Lebanon. The area witnessed new Israeli strikes in recent hours that resulted in casualties, according to Lebanese sources, underscoring the fragility of the current calm despite the ceasefire remaining in effect.

Repeated violations of the truce have remained a prominent issue in recent months, as documented in reports examining ceasefire violations in southern Lebanon and their impact on efforts to maintain stability.

Hezbollah Maintains Opposition to the Talks

Alongside the diplomatic track, Hezbollah continues to oppose the U.S.-backed contacts between Beirut and Tel Aviv, arguing that the discussions do not meet its demands for a complete Israeli withdrawal.

The group had previously rejected similar proposals that included the establishment of pilot zones and a broader deployment of the Lebanese Army in exchange for new security arrangements along the border.

The position adds another layer of complexity to Lebanon’s political landscape as the state seeks to balance international security requirements with domestic political and military considerations.

The Regional Dimension of the Negotiations

The significance of the current talks extends beyond the Lebanese-Israeli file, as they take place within a broader regional context linked to recent understandings between the United States and Iran aimed at reducing tensions across the region.

Diplomatic indications suggest that Lebanon has become part of the follow-up mechanisms established to sustain the regional ceasefire, including the creation of channels designed to address disputes and prevent a return to military confrontation.

Observers say the success of the proposed plan could open the door to a new phase of relative stability along the southern border, while failure could prolong the current security and political uncertainty.

In summary, the negotiations underway in Washington are focused on a phased framework that would allow the Lebanese Army to deploy in southern areas vacated by Israeli forces, with U.S. support and mutual security guarantees. While Beirut continues to insist on a full Israeli withdrawal, Israel remains committed to long-term security arrangements, and Hezbollah continues to reject the talks, making the outcome of the current round critical to the future of the border situation.