Israel to hand over pilot zone villages in Lebanon to Lebanese government

In a development brokered by the United States, Israel has agreed to transfer authority over several zones it currently occupies in southern Lebanon to the Lebanese government. The arrangement, announced by officials in Washington and Jerusalem, stipulates that Israeli forces will withdraw from designated border sectors within the next six months, allowing Lebanese security agencies to assume control under the supervision of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). The plan targets areas that have long been points of contention, including the disputed Shebaa Farms region and a handful of strategic hilltops that have served as observation posts for Israeli troops.

The handover is intended to reduce friction along the Israel‑Lebanon frontier and to strengthen Lebanon’s sovereign presence in its own territory, a goal supported by both Washington and the United Nations. Lebanese authorities have welcomed the move as a step toward restoring full territorial integrity, while Israeli officials emphasize that the transfer will not affect security arrangements designed to prevent cross‑border attacks. The agreement, pending formal ratification by the Lebanese cabinet, marks a notable shift in the longstanding status quo and is expected to be closely monitored by regional and international observers for its impact on stability in the border region.