Israel prepares to hand over first areas to Lebanese army under ceasefire agreement

The Israeli military is preparing to withdraw from two pilot areas as part of the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon, which came into effect in November 2024. The handover of these zones to the Lebanese Armed Forces marks a significant first step in implementing the framework agreement that ended hostilities between the two countries after months of intense cross-border conflict.
Israeli officials are currently awaiting confirmation from the Lebanese military that it is ready to take control of the designated areas. The process also requires approval from the US Central Command, which is overseeing the implementation of the ceasefire and serving as a mediator between the two parties.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has convened a security consultation to discuss the developments and oversee the transition. The pilot phase is designed to test the viability of the broader withdrawal plan, which would see Israeli forces gradually pull back from southern Lebanon over a 60-day period, contingent on the Lebanese army deploying to replace them.
The agreement represents a rare diplomatic breakthrough in a region marked by chronic instability. However, both sides remain cautious, with the success of these initial handovers likely to determine whether the full implementation of the ceasefire can proceed smoothly.

Source: Ynet — Original article in Hebrew.