A US military delegation meets with Lebanon’s army in Beirut to discuss implementing Israel’s withdrawal from one of the so-called “pilot zones” it occupies in southern Lebanon, according to a Lebanese military official speaking to AFP and reported by multiple outlets. The meetings focus on the mechanisms for carrying out the first pilot-zone withdrawal so the Lebanese army can deploy in the area, reflecting the objective of translating a June framework agreement into operational steps. Under the June framework agreement, Israel withdraws gradually from areas it has occupied, while the Lebanese military takes full control of two small designated pilot zones. A US official in Washington says the process moves into the implementation phase, stating the first pilot zone would begin within days, while additional zones are being mapped and planned. US Central Command is set to coordinate on the zones with both countries. The agreement is reported to be rejected by Hezbollah and does not specify a timetable for Israel’s broader withdrawal. Israeli officials also indicate their forces will remain in a “security zone” for as long as Hezbollah remains armed. Further talks between Lebanon and Israel are set to take place in Rome next week, and Lebanon ties its participation to Israel’s withdrawal from the two pilot zones.