US delegation in Lebanon to discuss Israel 'pilot zone' withdrawal

A United States military delegation has met with Lebanon's army in Beirut to discuss the implementation of Israel's withdrawal from one of the "pilot zones" in occupied territory, a Lebanese military official told AFP on Saturday (Jul 11).



Under a framework agreement reached on Jun 26, Israel will gradually withdraw from areas of southern Lebanon where it has sent troops as part of its military campaign against Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed Shia movement that has long battled Israel.



As part of the agreement, the long-disempowered Lebanese military will take full control of two small areas dubbed pilot zones.