**Israeli forces remain positioned in a security buffer zone in southern Lebanon under a June 2026 trilateral framework agreement with Lebanon and the United States.** The deal designates two limited pilot zones—one south of the Litani River outside the original buffer and a small area north of it—for phased, conditions-based redeployment once the Lebanese Armed Forces assume control and verifiable disarmament of non-state armed groups occurs. Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Netanyahu, have stated that broader withdrawals beyond the Litani depend on Hezbollah’s dismantlement rather than any fixed timetable, with the IDF retaining freedom of action in the core zone. Implementation of the pilots began in late June, with assessments indicating several weeks for Lebanese forces to prepare and deploy. Trader sentiment reflects uncertainty around verification processes, Lebanese army capacity, and any escalation or diplomatic follow-through that could expand or stall the sequenced process.