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Hezbollah rejects pilot zones; Israel refuses withdrawal, Trump hosts talks

6/24/2026

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Summary

Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump, JD Vance and Marco Rubio hosted Lebanese and Israeli delegations in Washington for talks on a ‘pilot zones’ withdrawal plan.
Hezbollah rejected the pilot project that would transfer Israeli-occupied areas to Lebanese control.
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said Israel would not withdraw from southern Lebanon even if Washington asked.

History

Historical Context

From 1982 until May 2000 Israel maintained a security belt in southern Lebanon, a 18-year occupation that ended when Israeli forces withdrew. The exit set a precedent for U.S.–led talks in Washington, where officials including Donald Trump meet Lebanese, Israeli and Hezbollah representatives, whose rejection of a new pilot-zone threatens a repeat of the 2000 stalemate.

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Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump, JD Vance and Marco Rubio hosted Lebanese and Israeli delegations in Washington for talks on a ‘pilot zones’ withdrawal plan.
Hezbollah rejected the pilot project that would transfer Israeli-occupied areas to Lebanese control.
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said Israel would not withdraw from southern Lebanon even if Washington asked.

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