The newly brokered ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel hinges on a phased withdrawal of Hezbollah forces and their weapons from southern Lebanon, paired with an Israeli pullout from the same areas.

The 60-day plan will be implemented in three 20-day stages, overseen by a U.S.-led committee that includes France, Lebanon, Israel, and the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper reported.

According to sources familiar with the agreement, the first phase will begin in the western sector. Hezbollah fighters will withdraw along with their arms, while Israeli forces will simultaneously vacate areas they have occupied in that region. In their place, strengthened Lebanese army units and UNIFIL troops will be deployed.

The second phase will replicate this process in the central sector.

Frontline southern villages will remain off-limits to residents until the areas are deemed safe and verified to be free of Hezbollah personnel and weaponry, the report noted. However, residents of villages located in the second and third lines south of the Litani River will be allowed to return immediately.

U.S. and International Oversight

The United States is expected to play a central role in ensuring the agreement’s implementation. Informed sources told Asharq Al-Awsat that U.S. President-elect Donald Trump “gave his blessing” to the plan during a meeting with President Joe Biden at the White House two weeks ago.

The committee overseeing the process will also include efforts by Britain and other nations to monitor and prevent the smuggling of unauthorized weapons to Hezbollah. However, it remains unclear whether American forces will have a direct role in the withdrawal mechanism.

Continued Negotiations

Israel approved the truce on Tuesday night, shortly after Lebanon signaled its agreement. Negotiations, facilitated by American mediators, are expected to continue throughout the ceasefire’s implementation to address any arising issues.

The five-member oversight committee will not replace the existing tripartite committee, which includes Lebanon, Israel, and UNIFIL, but will operate alongside it to ensure smooth coordination.

Sources close to the talks highlighted the broader objective of the phased withdrawal: maintaining security and stability in southern Lebanon while reducing the risk of renewed hostilities. They noted that the involvement of international stakeholders is crucial to the success of the agreement, with steps designed to safeguard the region’s fragile peace.