Rania Abushamala and Said Amori
27 June 2026•Update: 27 June 2026
The Israeli army is preparing to begin the pilot phase of its withdrawal from southern Lebanon as early as Sunday under a recently signed framework agreement between Beirut and Tel Aviv, according to Israeli media reports on Saturday.
The Israeli army intends to begin withdrawing Sunday morning from two pilot areas in the Nabatieh region in southern Lebanon, Israel's public broadcaster KAN reported.
The withdrawal is expected to be carried out “in full coordination with the Lebanese army through a direct communication channel established under US sponsorship to ensure Lebanese forces immediately deploy after Israeli troops evacuate the areas, amid concerns over the possible presence of Hezbollah fighters.”
An Israeli security official quoted by the broadcaster said, “The military retains the right to strike any elements deemed a threat to its forces even after the agreement was signed.”
The official added that the army “is continuing to reduce its forces in southern Lebanon while keeping troops on alert ahead of additional withdrawal phases depending on the outcome of the pilot stage.”
Commander of the US Central Command Brad Cooper is expected to travel to northern Israel to oversee the start of Israel's withdrawal from two pilot areas in southern Lebanon.
Cooper began a visit to Israel on Friday, according to Israeli media, which did not specify the duration of the trip.
On Friday, Lebanon and Israel signed a US-sponsored framework agreement stipulating a phased Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory, beginning with two pilot areas.
