U.S. Military Team Arrives in Beirut as Israel-Lebanon Withdrawal Talks Advance

A U.S. military delegation arrived in Beirut on Saturday to begin meetings with the Lebanese Armed Forces aimed at coordinating the first phase of Israel's planned withdrawal from a designated area in southern Lebanon.

The discussions focus on implementing the framework agreement signed by Lebanon and Israel in Washington on June 26, which outlines a phased Israeli withdrawal and the deployment of Lebanese forces into vacated areas.

According to a Lebanese military source, the delegation's primary task is to establish the operational mechanisms needed for the first withdrawal, describing it as the initial practical step toward implementing the agreement.

The visit follows confirmation from Lebanese President Joseph Aoun that U.S. Ambassador Michel Issa informed him of the delegation's arrival. U.S. officials have also indicated that preparations are underway to launch the first pilot zone within days under the supervision of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM).

The diplomatic effort comes ahead of another round of indirect Israel-Lebanon talks scheduled for July 15–16 in Rome. Lebanon has maintained that Israeli forces must begin withdrawing from the agreed pilot areas before it participates in the negotiations.

Meanwhile, Israeli military operations continued across southern Lebanon. Israeli aircraft reportedly carried out airstrikes targeting the towns of Kfartebnit and Al-Mansouri, while artillery shelling and demolition operations were reported in several other border communities, including Houla, Deir Siryan, Al-Qantara, and Haddatha.

Local media also reported that Israeli armored units, including Merkava tanks and D9 bulldozers, advanced toward the eastern outskirts of Beit Yahoun, accompanied by artillery fire and military sweeps.

Speaking during a meeting with lawmakers, President Joseph Aoun reaffirmed Lebanon's commitment to negotiations with Israel, saying he would not reverse his decision to pursue diplomacy. He noted that Lebanon has previously engaged in direct negotiations with Israel and argued that the current framework agreement offers an opportunity to restore Lebanese rights through diplomatic means if fully implemented.