Lebanese PM says government is seeking a phased Israeli withdrawal from the south

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam has said his government is working to secure successive Israeli withdrawals from Lebanese territory, culminating in a complete pullout. He pointed to international outreach by President General Joseph Aoun — with friendly states and through the ceasefire monitoring mechanism — aimed at rallying support to bring an end to what Beirut describes as Israeli aggression in the south.

Rebuilding the south

Salam said the government was pressing ahead with a plan to address the aftermath of the fighting in southern Lebanon. According to the prime minister, the plan covers assessing damage, clearing rubble, reopening roads and beginning bridge repairs, with work on the bridges due to start on Wednesday. He said the effort also prioritises restoring essential services to affected communities, among them water, electricity and communications.

Talks resume in Rome

The comments come as a seventh round of direct negotiations between Lebanon and Israel is set to open in Rome, running over three days. Beirut casts the talks as part of its push for phased Israeli withdrawals leading to a full pullout, and for a halt to Israeli operations in the border area — including bulldozing, bombing and the demolition of homes.

A Lebanese official told Qatar News Agency that the first item on the agenda would be the ceasefire and the Israeli attacks, which the source said run counter to the “framework agreement” reached on June 26. The negotiations, the source added, would bring together political, military and legal delegations from the Lebanese side.

Proposed pilot areas for a pullback

According to the same source, Lebanon intends to propose designating pilot zones for an initial Israeli withdrawal, with a subsequent phase expected to cover the Bint Jbeil or Khiam area. The Lebanese military delegation is set to present maps and documentation detailing its deployment in Zawtar Al-Gharbiyah in the south, together with plans for deploying its forces into areas from which Israeli troops are expected to pull back — a sequencing intended to reassure both sides as any withdrawal proceeds.

This account is based on statements by Lebanese officials and reporting by Qatar News Agency; it reflects the Lebanese government's position. Details of the talks may change as negotiations proceed.