Israel and Lebanon have reached an agreement on the implementation procedures for a 'buffer zone' in southern Lebanon, where Israeli troops will withdraw and Lebanese forces will take control. Detailed guidelines are expected to be finalized in the coming days.
According to Reuters, the two sides held ambassador-level talks mediated by the United States at the U.S. Embassy in Rome over two days starting on July 14.
A U.S. official stated after the talks, "We have agreed on the procedures and guidelines for operating the buffer zone, and we will finalize and implement them in the coming days." Future negotiations will move to a practical stage addressing specific implementation plans.
Last month, Israel and Lebanon reached a preliminary agreement on the establishment of the buffer zone, facilitated by U.S. mediation. Under this arrangement, Israeli forces will gradually withdraw from the area, allowing Lebanese troops to be deployed to maintain security and order.
However, there are still variables that could affect the actual withdrawal. Israel has expressed that it finds it difficult to withdraw as long as the armed threat from Hezbollah persists. Hezbollah has also opposed any agreement that requires disarmament.
Neither Israel nor Lebanon has issued separate statements regarding the outcome of the talks.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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