Rome: The Israeli army is preparing to withdraw within days from areas in southern Lebanon under a framework agreement, ahead of a new round of negotiations between Beirut and Tel Aviv in Rome.

According to Anadolu Agency, Israel's public broadcaster KAN reported that the Israeli army intends to withdraw from some pilot areas in southern Lebanon in parallel with the negotiating session between the Lebanese and Israeli sides in Rome. The withdrawal is part of a US-sponsored framework agreement signed on June 26, which outlines a gradual Israeli withdrawal from all occupied Lebanese territory. The agreement begins with two initial areas that were not identified.

KAN further reported that the planned withdrawal follows US and Lebanese demands that Israel evacuate these areas before the next round of negotiations, although the specific locations were not disclosed. The sixth round of Lebanese-Israeli negotiations, under US sponsorship, is scheduled to occur in Rome next Tuesday and Wednesday.

In a separate report, KAN indicated that the Israeli government had instructed the army to freeze all operations classified as 'sensitive' in southern Lebanon at Washington's request. The framework agreement did not establish a precise timetable for the withdrawal, linking its implementation to the Lebanese army assuming full security responsibility in areas vacated by Israel and the disarmament of armed groups, particularly Hezbollah, which has rejected this provision.

Israel currently occupies areas in southern Lebanon, maintaining a 'security zone,' a buffer strip extending several kilometers into Lebanese territory along the border. This zone was established during its latest war with Hezbollah in 2024-2025. Israel further expanded its presence in the area following escalating military offensives beginning March 2, a move Lebanon views as a violation of its sovereignty and an occupation of parts of its southern territory.