A framework agreement is expected to be announced following four days of talks in Washington, after a tense fifth round described as the most difficult so far, amid US pressure to reach understandings on pilot zones involving Israeli withdrawal and Lebanese deploymentAccording to Israeli sources, there is no clear timeline for implementation. The framework reportedly defines two pilot zones from which the IDF would withdraw and the Lebanese army would deploy, one north of the Litani River and the other to its south. It also includes mutual recognition of the two countries’ sovereignty.Under the arrangement, the Israel Defense Forces would remain along what is referred to as the “yellow line” and would not withdraw from the Beaufort area. Residents would not be allowed to return to Lebanese border communities under the initial phase.GalleryThe fifth round of talks between Israel and Lebanon took place this weekThe agreement is expected to be accompanied by close U.S. military involvement, with U.S. forces overseeing the pilot zones. Washington is also expected to train and strengthen the Lebanese army, a factor Israeli officials say improves the chances of implementation compared with previous understandings reached in November 2024.U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said as early as Thursday that the sides were nearing understandings on pilot areas tied to efforts to demilitarize Hezbollah. In those areas, Israeli forces would likely withdraw from territory already cleared, with the Lebanese army taking their place.Hezbollah terrorists near the northern border (Photo: Aziz Taher/Reuters)Rubio attended parts of the talks after returning to Washington from a regional trip, and has been leading diplomatic efforts.A Lebanese official source quoted by Al Jazeera offered a different account, saying the withdrawal from the two areas would follow a continuous timeline and would serve as a prelude to a broader Israeli withdrawal later on.Sources familiar with the talks said the current round was the most difficult so far among all rounds held to date. Despite the tense atmosphere, an Israeli official said the United States exerted strong pressure on both sides to reach agreements.The atmosphre in the negotiating rooms, including at the State Department and the Pentagon, was described as tense and negative. Israeli sources said both the Lebanese and Israelis were angered by the inclusion of a Lebanese clause in a memorandum of understanding with Iran. According to these officials, the United States added the clause without consulting Israel or Lebanon due to Iranian insistence.First published: 20:19, 06.26.26