The US State Department officially announced that military operations have begun in southern Lebanon under the agreement with Israel. The Monday statement said that operations have been launched in the first experimental zones in the towns of Frun, Srifa and Zawtar el-Garbiye.
The operations are being conducted within the trilateral framework and under the supervision of the Lebanese Special Military Coordination Group. The State Department stressed that this step is a direct result of the talks between Lebanon and Israel held in Rome last week and constitutes 'a significant milestone' in the process.
In the sixth round of negotiations completed in Rome, a preliminary agreement was reached on the designation of two experimental zones for the start of Israel's withdrawal. This development is seen as limited progress since the 'framework formula' signed at the end of June 2026.
The framework formula envisages Israel's phased withdrawal from all occupied Lebanese territory. The completion of the withdrawal is contingent on the Lebanese army assuming full security responsibility in the areas and the disarmament of armed groups, with reference to Hezbollah.
The State Department said the US will continue to work 'closely' with both the Lebanese and Israeli sides to implement the agreed framework and achieve 'a successful outcome'.
Israel has continued its attacks on Lebanon since March 2, 2026. According to the Lebanese Ministry of Health, 4,328 people have been killed and 12,227 injured since that date. Israel has occupied parts of southern Lebanon for decades and since the 2023-2024 conflict; in the current attacks, it has advanced more than 10 kilometers into Lebanese territory.
