Israel to Begin Trial Withdrawal of Troops from Southern Lebanon

Istanbul - The Israeli army is preparing to begin a pilot phase for the withdrawal of its forces from southern Lebanon, which could commence as early as Sunday, under a framework agreement recently signed by Lebanon and Israel. According to a report by Israeli media outlet KAN on Saturday, the Israeli army will start pulling its troops out of two pilot areas in the Nabatieh region of southern Lebanon on Sunday morning local time. The withdrawal will be carried out in full coordination with the Lebanese army through a direct communication channel established with the support of the United States. This is to ensure Lebanese forces are deployed immediately after Israeli troops leave the area, amid concerns over the possible presence of Hezbollah fighters. However, an Israeli security official, as quoted by the television station, said the Israeli military retains the right to strike any element deemed a threat to its forces, even after the agreement is signed. The official added that the Israeli army continues to reduce its forces in southern Lebanon while remaining on alert ahead of additional withdrawal phases, which depend on the outcome of the trial stage. On Friday, Lebanon and Israel signed the framework agreement with US mediation, which governs the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanese territory, starting with two pilot areas.