Beirut: Progress has been made in defining so-called 'pilot areas' in southern Lebanon where the Lebanese army is meant to deploy as part of a June framework agreement calling for Israel's gradual withdrawal, US Ambassador to Lebanon Michael Issa said Wednesday. Issa made the remarks after meeting Sheikh Abdul Latif Derian, Lebanon's grand mufti, in Beirut, where they discussed the country's future and ongoing talks between Lebanon and Israel.
According to Anadolu Agency, Issa acknowledged the continued Israeli attacks on southern Lebanon, stating that they 'have not stopped' and were mainly occurring 'outside the designated pilot areas.' He added that Washington had yet to reach an agreement with Israel to halt the attacks. Reiterating his support for the Israeli position, Issa linked the continued attacks to Hezbollah's 'failure to honor the ceasefire,' questioning how Israel could be asked to withdraw while Hezbollah retains its weapons.
Regarding the potential for negotiations with Hezbollah, Issa clarified that while Washington has not committed to negotiations, talks could be 'possible if the group is willing or has something to offer.' He dismissed 'unproductive contacts,' emphasizing that negotiations must extend beyond mere 'exchanging visits and drinking coffee.'
Issa mentioned that Lebanon-Israel negotiations remain underway in Rome. He described these as 'technical negotiations' without fixed dates, while sovereignty-related issues are scheduled in advance to avoid overlap. The concept of 'pilot areas' pertains to regions in southern Lebanon where initial arrangements are being made according to the June 26 framework agreement. This agreement outlines a gradual Israeli withdrawal and the Lebanese army's deployment into vacated areas.
Issa explained that defining a pilot area is a detailed process, requiring field teams to meticulously identify every feature forming its boundaries. Despite the agreement, Israel has continued relentless attacks in various parts of southern Lebanon, which Beirut claims are hindering the army's planned deployments. Since March 2, Israeli attacks have resulted in over 4,348 deaths and more than 12,000 injuries, according to the Lebanese Health Ministry. Israeli forces continue to occupy several areas in southern Lebanon, some for decades, and others during recent conflicts in 2023 and 2024, when they advanced over 10 kilometers into Lebanese territory.