Trump administration backs phased IDF withdrawal from Lebanon under Hezbollah disarmament deal

The Trump administration supports a phased IDF withdrawal from southern Lebanon under the framework of the Hezbollah disarmament deal, senior US officials told The Jerusalem Post on Monday.“The Framework establishes a clear, conditions-based bargain between Israel and Lebanon," the officials told the Post. "Israel will redeploy its forces from Lebanese territory in exchange for the disarmament of Hezbollah and the restoration of Lebanese state sovereignty over all its territory."The officials noted that the implementation of the framework will accomplish three primary goals, namely the return of Lebanese sovereignty, the dismantling of Hezbollah's terror infrastructure, and a secure northern border for Israel."On July 20, pilot zone operations began in accordance with the Trilateral Framework, including the redeployment by Israeli forces from Zawtar al-Gharbiya," the sources said, describing the milestone as a "direct outcome of last week's discussions between Israel and Lebanon in Rome.""The United States will continue working closely with both parties to implement the Framework to a successful conclusion,” the officials added.'Post' asks officials if Trump intends to address Syria in Netanyahu meetingThe Post asked the officials if US President Donald Trump also intends to press Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on IDF activity in Syria during their upcoming meeting in Washington, but the officials did not address the issue.Netanyahu departed from Israel earlier on Monday for the talks, where the two world leaders are expected to discuss the situation with Iran, the Prime Minister's Office confirmed.Miriam Sela-Eitam contributed to this report.