Israel and Lebanon discussing US-backed pilot scheme to transfer southern territory to Lebanese army

Arab News—Israel and Lebanon are in talks over a US-backed proposal to hand parts of southern Lebanese territory currently under Israeli control to the Lebanese Armed Forces. The pilot scheme would test a phased Israeli withdrawal tied to Lebanese army deployment in border zones. Reuters confirmed the discussions are ongoing; Straits Times and Arab News provided additional detail on the US diplomatic framework backing the transfer.

• Arab News — Negotiations center on handing Israeli-held southern zones to Lebanese forces
• The Straits Times — US-backed plan to transfer southern Lebanese territory to Lebanese army
• Reuters — Israel, Lebanon discussing pilot scheme for handover of territory
• The Indian Express — Israel could hand over territory to Lebanon under US-backed proposal
• France 24 — Transfer is framed as a pilot scheme — phased Israeli withdrawal proposed