US Military to Visit Lebanon to Support Ceasefire Implementation

A United States military delegation is expected to visit Lebanon in the coming days to assist with the implementation of a framework agreement aimed at ending the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. Citing two senior Lebanese officials, the Financial Times reported on Friday that the delegation from US Central Command (CENTCOM) is scheduled to arrive in Beirut ahead of technical talks between Lebanon and Israel set to take place in Rome next week. The discussions will focus on implementing the US-mediated framework agreement reached on 26 June, which provides for the phased withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanese territory. A US State Department spokesperson confirmed to Anadolu that CENTCOM is “closely coordinating” with both countries at the technical and logistical level, but declined to comment on the reported visit. “We have entered the implementation phase of this framework agreement. The first pilot zone will begin operating in the coming days, and subsequent pilot zones are being mapped out and planned,” the spokesperson said on condition of anonymity. “We will also soon establish communication with international partners to help the Lebanese Government effectively restore sovereignty in these zones and across their territory more broadly,” the spokesperson added. CENTCOM did not respond to the report. Lebanon’s Ministry of Health stated on Wednesday that the death toll from Israeli attacks had risen to 4,321, with 12,204 others wounded since 2 March. Israeli forces still occupy several areas in southern Lebanon, some of which have been held for decades and others seized during the 2023–2024 war. In the latest offensive, Israeli troops reportedly advanced more than 10 kilometres into Lebanese territory.