US Launches Pilot Control Zone in Southern Lebanon to Implement Israel-Lebanon Ceasefire

The US has announced a pilot control zone in southern Lebanon as part of efforts to implement the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon. Control of the area is to be transferred in stages to the Lebanese Armed Forces.

CNN reported on July 20 that the US State Department had designated three villages in southern Lebanon near the so-called Yellow Line, which is occupied by Israel, as a pilot control zone. Under the ceasefire agreement, Israeli forces are to withdraw from the area and the Lebanese Armed Forces, or LAF, will take over security.

Hezbollah, the Iran-backed armed group, will be barred from operating in the pilot control zone. Israel has maintained that it will not complete a full withdrawal until Hezbollah is disarmed and pulled back from the border area.

Recent photos obtained by CNN showed Lebanese troops patrolling areas including Bint Jbeil, which had previously been occupied by Israeli forces, and Nabatieh, which was damaged by airstrikes.

The announcement came a day before Lebanese President Joseph Aoun's visit to the White House. Aoun is set to become the first Lebanese president to visit the White House since 2009.

Aoun met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio the previous day to discuss ways to implement the ceasefire. Rubio said the US would continue to support Lebanon's efforts toward security, peace and a better future.