Israeli Channel 12: Expansion of South Lebanon Pilot Zones Requires Israeli Approval

Israeli Channel 12 reported on June 28, 2026, that the expansion of pilot zones in southern Lebanon cannot proceed without Israeli approval in the foreseeable future.

The Israeli public broadcasting authority noted that a scheduled Israeli withdrawal from two pilot zones in southern Lebanon did not take place as planned due to incomplete preparations.

Israeli officials have expressed concerns about the sustainability of the agreement, particularly regarding potential challenges not only from Hezbollah but also stemming from a parallel accord between the United States and Iran.

According to Hebrew-language reporting, the United States has committed to deploying military equipment and 3,000 Marines to Lebanon in the event of armed clashes or civil conflict initiated by Hezbollah, based on a signed agreement.

Hezbollah's political council deputy, Mahmoud Qommati, stated that the agreement was "stillborn" and unenforceable, arguing against mobilizing public opposition to it. He also rejected any linkage between Israeli withdrawal and Lebanese domestic matters, including weapons issues.

Channel 12 reported that official Lebanese authorities have granted Israel operational freedom within the Yellow Line, a demarcation along the Lebanese-Israeli border.