Lebanon and Israel make progress on a US-brokered plan to establish “pilot zones” in southern Lebanon, with further steps focused on withdrawal mechanics and Lebanese deployment, according to multiple outlets citing US and local officials. Reports say the sixth round of talks takes place in Rome, involving US officials and delegations from Lebanon and Israel, and is held under a framework agreement signed on 26 June. Under the plan, Israeli forces withdraw from two small areas—described as pilot zones—while the Lebanese army takes full control of those zones. Sources describe the discussions as centered on agreeing the structure, guidelines, and conditions for implementing the pilot zone process, including timing for finalization in the coming days. Some reports add that the arrangement also seeks steps related to disarmament of non-state armed groups, commonly understood as referring to Hezbollah, but they also note that Hezbollah is not involved in the talks and rejects direct engagement with Israel. Several outlets also report that Lebanese army deployment in the pilot zone follows the Israeli pullback, and that the process is intended to test whether Lebanese sovereignty can be exercised in the designated areas.