This handout picture released by the Lebanese Presidency’s press office shows Lebanons
President Joseph Aoun (L) receiving US Ambassador to Lebanon Michael Issa at the Presidential Palace in Baabda, east of Beirut, on July 9, 2026.. A US delegation was expected to arrive in Lebanon soon to oversee the implementation of Israel’s withdrawal from “pilot zones” in the south, the Lebanese presidency reported on on July 9, citing the American ambassador. (Photo by Lebanese Presidency / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE – MANDATORY CREDIT “AFP PHOTO / LEBANESE PRESIDENCY / HANDOUT / ” – NO MARKETING NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS – DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS
The United States will oversee the withdrawal of Israeli forces from “pilot zones” in the south, with the first to get underway within days, Lebanese and US officials said Thursday.
A US official said that new talks between Israel and Lebanon would go ahead next week, after a diplomatic source earlier told AFP that Lebanon had demanded an Israeli pullout from the zones before taking part.
Under a framework agreement reached on June 26, Israel will gradually withdraw from areas of southern Lebanon where it has sent troops as part of its military campaign against Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed Shia movement that has long battled Israel.
