Beirut: Lebanon and Israel are preparing for a new round of talks in Washington, D.C., on June 22nd, focusing on the withdrawal of Israeli troops from a designated "pilot zone." Lebanese media reported that both nations are gearing up for the discussions, emphasizing the significance of the upcoming meeting by sending military representatives.
According to Thai News Agency, the talks aim to facilitate Israeli troop withdrawal in coordination with the Lebanese army, which will oversee and implement arms control plans in the region. The negotiations previously hit an impasse when Israel rejected using Bint Jbel as the initial pilot area. However, a consensus was eventually reached to consider Narbatiyeh governorate as an alternative, with the United States playing a mediating role in border security and ceasefire management, despite ongoing disputes over the presence of Hezbollah's armed forces.
In prior negotiation rounds, both parties agreed to expedite the establishment of a pilot area, granting sole control to the Lebanese government army. This strategy seeks to ensure that no armed groups or forces, other than the government army, have any role in the area, thus moving towards a peaceful resolution and stabilization in the region.