**Israeli forces have maintained a security buffer in southern Lebanon since operations expanded in 2026, with a June 26 trilateral framework agreement establishing limited pilot zones for phased redeployment tied to verifiable Hezbollah disarmament and Lebanese Armed Forces deployment rather than fixed timelines.** Under the deal, Israel committed to withdrawing from two small areas—one north and one south of the Litani River—recommended by the IDF as non-essential, allowing LAF entry as a test. Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Netanyahu, have repeatedly stated that the broader buffer zone will remain until threats from Hezbollah are eliminated, with further steps conditioned on results monitored by a U.S.-facilitated coordination group. Implementation of the pilots began in late June and was projected to take weeks, amid continued Israeli strikes on perceived threats. As of early September 2026, no major additional withdrawals beyond these zones have been reported, reflecting the conditions-based approach that prioritizes security outcomes over rapid territorial concessions.