Behind the ‘pilot zones,’ Israel’s strategy to entrench the yellow line

Lebanon remains focused on discussions over the proposed "pilot zones," including how they would be implemented and how the Lebanese Army would verify its responsibilities there. But a broader reading of the negotiations suggests the core issues lie elsewhere.According to officials familiar with the talks, the verification mechanism under discussion is intended not only to oversee Hezbollah's disarmament but also to dismantle the group's military infrastructure, prevent it from rebuilding its capabilities and ensure its fighters remain away from the Israeli-imposed "yellow line" without returning to the area.No timetable has been set for extending the pilot zones to other parts of southern Lebanon, fueling concerns in Lebanon that Israel intends to maintain a long-term military presence. Need the context?...