In a new development related to the implementation of security understandings between Lebanon and Israel, an Israeli report revealed that the Lebanese army began preparing a broad plan in preparation for its entry into two areas in southern Lebanon from which the Israeli army is scheduled to withdraw, within the framework of what the report described as the “experimental phase” for implementing the framework agreement between the two sides.
According to a report by journalist Nitzan Shapira, broadcast by the Israeli “Channel 12”, the Lebanese army has begun an extensive planning process in preparation for the start of the experimental phase, during which it is supposed to deploy in two areas in southern Lebanon that will be evacuated by the Israeli army, with this step being implemented within the next few days.
The report indicates that the Lebanese Army is currently working to determine the size of the forces required for the mission, the mechanism of their deployment, and the points from which they will enter the two regions, explaining that the information conveyed to Israel indicates that the deployment will take place in the two regions simultaneously, and not gradually.
However, the report confirms that a final timetable has not yet been agreed upon to begin implementing this step, indicating that the file will be the subject of discussion during the meetings expected next week between the two sides.
The report quoted an American official as saying that “the transition to the implementation phase of the framework agreement has already begun,” adding: “The first pilot phase area will be launched within a few days, while other areas are currently undergoing surveying and planning operations in preparation for inclusion in the subsequent stages.”
In the same context, the report referred to what CNN reported from a diplomatic source, who stated that the President of the Republic, General Joseph Aoun, linked Lebanon’s continued participation in talks with Israel to the Israeli army beginning to withdraw from the areas it still controls in southern Lebanon.
This report comes at a time when international communications related to the mechanism for implementing security understandings continue, amid anticipation as to whether the experimental phase will constitute an entry point for expanding the deployment of the Lebanese army in the areas from which the Israeli army withdraws, within the path sponsored by the United States.
