Israel has agreed to withdraw from two areas in southern Lebanon, marking a limited but notable step in ongoing negotiations.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio acknowledged the agreement represents only “the beginning of the beginning” of discussions between Israel and Lebanon.
The withdrawal is confined to two specific zones, not the entire contested border region. This narrow scope reflects the cautious pace of diplomatic progress.
The agreement follows months of heightened tensions along the Israel-Lebanon border. Both sides have faced international pressure to reduce hostilities.
Details of the withdrawal timeline remain unclear. Officials did not specify when Israeli forces would vacate the two areas.
Lebanese leaders welcomed the move as a positive signal but stressed that broader issues, including border demarcation, remain unresolved.
The United States played a key role in brokering the agreement. Washington continues to mediate between the two nations amid fragile regional stability.
Analysts view the step as a confidence-building measure. Future talks will need to address deeper security and territorial disputes.
The agreement does not include the deployment of Lebanese army forces in the vacated areas, a point of concern for some observers.
