Trump administration backs phased IDF withdrawal from Lebanon under Hezbollah disarmament deal

Senior US officials told The Jerusalem Post that the Trump administration supports a phased IDF withdrawal from southern Lebanon under the Hezbollah disarmament deal. The framework aims to restore Lebanese sovereignty, dismantle Hezbollah's terror infrastructure, and secure Israel's northern border. Pilot zone operations began on July 20, including IDF redeployment from Zawtar al-Gharbiya.

Senior US officials told The Jerusalem Post on Monday that the Trump administration supports a phased IDF withdrawal from southern Lebanon under the Hezbollah disarmament deal. The officials described a conditions-based framework: Israel redeploys from Lebanese territory in exchange for Hezbollah's disarmament and restoration of Lebanese state sovereignty. Three primary goals were cited: return of Lebanese sovereignty, dismantling of Hezbollah's terror infrastructure, and a secure northern border for Israel. Pilot zone operations began on July 20, including IDF redeployment from Zawtar al-Gharbiya, described as a direct outcome of recent Israel-Lebanon talks in Rome. The US pledged continued close work with both parties. Separately, Prime Minister Netanyahu departed for Washington to meet President Trump, with discussions expected to cover Iran. The Post asked whether Trump would press Netanyahu on Syria, but officials did not address the issue.