AGP Executive Report

South Lebanon Return Talks: Prime Minister Nawaf Salam says the state will guarantee displaced families’ return to the south, starting with army deployment in “pilot zones,” then road reopening, debris removal, services restoration, and temporary housing. UN Rights Watch: UN Human Rights chief Volker Türk is set to visit Lebanon on 26–27 July, meeting top officials and civil society. UNESCO Warning: UNESCO added the ancient city of Tyre to its “heritage in danger” list after Israeli bombardment damage and conservation concerns. Security on the Ground: The Lebanese Army says it has completed deployment in Zawtar al-Gharbiya and is conducting engineering work ahead of residents’ return, while Salam visited and raised the flag. Regional Diplomacy: Egypt backs any path to a complete Israeli withdrawal and the return of displaced people, urging de-escalation and renewed talks. Local Justice: Lebanon’s customs authorities seized 3.5 tons of narcotics at Beirut port, with suspects arrested.

Israel-Lebanon Talks & “Pilot Zones”: Lebanon’s leaders say the first phase of a US-brokered withdrawal is starting, with Prime Minister Nawaf Salam planting the flag in Zawtar el-Gharbiyeh as the Lebanese army moves in—though residents in Zawtar el-Gharbiyeh are still being told to wait amid clearance of unexploded ordnance and ongoing Israeli control in parts of the area. Diplomacy Under Pressure: President Joseph Aoun’s White House meeting with Donald Trump focused on securing a full Israeli withdrawal and disarming Hezbollah, but Trump also ruled out immediate Iran talks, while doubts persist that Washington will force Israel to leave. Southern Lebanon Security: Reports describe continued Israeli shelling, drone strikes, and raids around Nabatieh and border towns as the deployment enters its second day. UN & Rights Watch: UN experts warn Israel’s actions in Lebanon may amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity, urging respect for Lebanon’s sovereignty and UN resolutions. Heritage Hit: UNESCO placed Tyre on the World Heritage in Danger List after direct damage to the ancient site. Drugs at Beirut Port: Lebanese customs seized 3.5 tons of narcotics at Beirut port and arrested suspects tied to a smuggling ring. Red Sea Tensions: Houthis warned ships using Saudi ports could be targeted, raising fears for global shipping and energy routes.

US-Lebanon Diplomacy: President Joseph Aoun told Donald Trump Lebanon is ready to end hostilities “forever,” while Trump pledged to help “a lot” and authorized direct US flights to Beirut after a 40-plus-year halt. Southern Lebanon “Pilot Zones”: Prime Minister Nawaf Salam visited Zawtar al-Gharbiya as Lebanese forces deployed and roads/services were set to reopen, with the government pushing for a complete Israeli withdrawal. Hezbollah Disarmament: Aoun argued Hezbollah disarmament depends on political will, linking it to full Israeli pullout and state control under a reconstruction plan led by Lebanon. Regional War Pressure: The US warned it is “not finished” striking Iran as Iran retaliated across the region, while Trump renewed threats over Iran’s “Pickaxe Mountain” nuclear site. Humanitarian & Security: Lebanon reported rising casualties from Israeli attacks and said the army is taking over pilot areas while residents return. Travel Rules: Lebanon listed 13 African countries eligible for visa-on-arrival for one month, with strict proof requirements.

US-Lebanon Talks: President Joseph Aoun met Donald Trump at the White House, with Trump pledging to help Lebanon “a lot” and backing the Lebanese Armed Forces as Israel begins withdrawing from parts of southern Lebanon. Pilot Zones in the South: Lebanese troops entered Zawtar Al-Gharbiya as part of the US-backed “pilot zone” framework, after Israeli pullbacks; residents are waiting to return while deployment continues amid reports of firing near units. Hezbollah Pressure: Trump said he’s willing to engage Hezbollah if Aoun asks, while Aoun urged Washington not to cut support for the army, warning the south could slide back into chaos. Direct Flights Return: Trump ordered US airlines to resume direct flights to Lebanon for the first time in 40-plus years. Health Under Fire: Lebanon’s health minister met WHO chief Tedros, warning of deaths and injuries among medical and rescue workers and damage to ambulances and facilities. Broader War Context: US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told senators the Iran war has cost $37.5 billion so far, as more US deaths were reported.

Southern Lebanon “Pilot Zones” Begin: Lebanon’s army started deploying in Zawtar al-Gharbiya, one of three US-backed pilot villages, after Israel’s withdrawal from the area—part of a framework deal tied to Hezbollah disarmament. Troops are also expected to sweep for unexploded ordnance, while residents are urged not to enter until security stabilizes, as much of the town remains heavily damaged. Aoun-Trump Talks: President Joseph Aoun is set to meet Donald Trump in Washington as Beirut seeks a clearer commitment to full Israeli withdrawal, amid US pressure to dismantle Hezbollah’s weapons. Regional War Escalation: Iran-US fighting entered its 10th day, with attacks reported across the Gulf and new threats to key shipping routes. Border Security: Syria’s customs seized 226 grenades hidden in a vehicle bound for Lebanon, and previously stopped a shipment of rockets and drones aimed at Hezbollah. Belgium Legal Move: The Hind Rajab Foundation filed an urgent complaint in Belgium against an IDF veteran linked to a Tomorrowland appearance.

Pilot Zones in South Lebanon: The U.S. says “pilot zone” operations have started in Froun, Srifa and Zawtar Al-Gharbiya, with the Lebanese army taking charge as Israel begins a phased pullback under the June Trilateral Framework. Israel warns it will respond forcefully to any violation, while Hezbollah has rejected the deal’s linkage to wider Iran talks. Lebanon-US Summit Focus: The move lands as President Joseph Aoun heads to Washington for talks with Marco Rubio and then Donald Trump, pushing for full Israeli withdrawal and a stronger ceasefire. Verification Push: Italy is reportedly ready to help strengthen the verification mechanism, including searches coordinated with the judiciary. Regional Air Travel Hit: Air France extended its Beirut flight suspension to Aug. 2 and paused Riyadh and Dubai routes amid U.S.-Iran tensions. Gaza Leadership Shift: Hamas named Khalil Al-Hayya as overall leader, a change analysts say could harden its stance on disarmament.

U.S.-Iran Escalation: The U.S. carried out a ninth straight day of strikes on Iran, with CENTCOM saying the new wave aims to “degrade” Iran’s ability to attack commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz after Iran reported two oil tankers were “exploded” and immobilised; Iran’s IRGC also claimed missile attacks on U.S. assets in Jordan, Kuwait and Syria, while sirens were reported in Bahrain and Kuwait said it intercepted hostile drones. Lebanon Security & Sovereignty: In southern Lebanon, a U.S.-supervised pilot program is expected to start soon, with Lebanese Armed Forces entering designated areas to verify they are cleared of Hezbollah operatives and weapons, following Rome talks and discussions with President Joseph Aoun and U.S. officials. Public Health: Pennsylvania launched an online measles dashboard tracking cases by county, age and hospitalizations; Lebanon County recorded 20 cases, as officials push MMR vaccination outreach. Displacement Support: UNESCO and partners delivered art-based mental health and psychosocial support to more than 1,500 displaced children and youth across 25 collective shelters in Lebanon. Regional Diplomacy: ASEAN foreign ministers meet in Manila to discuss West Asia turmoil, Gaza killings, and rice and electricity security.

Lebanon-Israel Talks: President Joseph Aoun met U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington, pressing for the Trilateral Framework to move from words to action—starting with an Israeli withdrawal and the first Lebanese “pilot zone” under Lebanese army control. Diplomatic Push: Rubio praised Lebanon’s push to reclaim sovereignty and disarm Hezbollah, reiterating U.S. support for peace and economic recovery as Aoun prepares to meet President Trump. Southern Lebanon Deployment: U.S.-linked reporting says the Lebanese Armed Forces are preparing to deploy to two pilot zones soon, while Israel’s pullout timing remains tied to oversight criteria. Human Toll: Lebanon’s Health Ministry says the Israeli aggression since March 2 has killed 4,328 people and injured 12,229. Regional War Spillover: The U.S. says it carried out an eighth straight night of strikes on Iran after U.S. service members were killed in Jordan, as the wider conflict threatens to widen across the region. Security & Borders: Iraq says it arrested suspects over smuggled weapons routed from Iraq toward Syria, with Syrian claims that the shipment was bound for Hezbollah.

Southern Lebanon Escalation: Israel kept up airstrikes and shelling across Bint Jbeil and Nabatieh, including attacks on Haris and Mansouri, while reporting strikes on alleged Hezbollah drone operators; Lebanon also says an army vehicle blast killed a soldier, with Israel blaming Hezbollah. Pilot Zones & Army Role: U.S.-brokered talks continue over “pilot zones,” with reports that Lebanon’s army is set to deploy there as Israel weighs timing and oversight conditions; the next Rome talks are framed as technical. Aoun in Washington: President Joseph Aoun arrived for meetings with Trump and Rubio, pitching a plan to pressure Israel’s withdrawal and push Hezbollah disarmament as Hezbollah rejects direct talks. Hezbollah Tunnels: IDF units described dismantling Hezbollah’s tunnel network, including claims about Iranian-built infrastructure. Regional Spillover: The U.S. issued worldwide travel warnings as the Iran conflict widens, including reports of U.S. strikes and a claimed MQ-9 interception near Ahvaz. Energy Watch: Cyprus and Lebanon move toward a power-grid link, with a World Bank feasibility study requested. Local Economy: Despite the downturn, Lebanese small businesses are leaning on TikTok to survive and sell.

Southern Lebanon War Update: Israel kept up strikes across the south, including drone and air attacks, while the IDF said it killed Hezbollah drone operators near the security zone. Pilot Zones & Army Role: Lebanon says its army is beginning field deployment in pilot areas as part of the US-brokered framework, while talks continue over verification and withdrawal timelines. Presidential Diplomacy: President Joseph Aoun left for Washington to meet Donald Trump, aiming to strengthen the ceasefire and push for Israel’s withdrawal and expanded Lebanese state authority. UNESCO Heritage Under Threat: The UN is preparing to list threatened sites, including Lebanese palaces, as war and climate risks grow. Education Hit: Lebanon’s education minister says Israel looted and destroyed three schools in the south, leaving hundreds of thousands of children out of school. Border Incident: A Lebanese soldier was killed and two wounded after a suspicious object exploded near an army vehicle in Mansouri; Israel blamed Hezbollah. Travel Warning: The US Embassy in Beirut urged Americans not to travel to Lebanon due to high tensions. Regional Escalation: Iran says it has stopped MoU obligations with the US, while US-Iran clashes continue to disrupt the wider region.

Ceasefire Diplomacy: Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has left Beirut for Washington to meet Donald Trump, with talks expected to focus on strengthening the ceasefire and pushing for Israel’s withdrawal from occupied Lebanese areas. Southern Lebanon Security: Lebanon’s army is preparing to deploy in the first “experimental” pilot zone in the south as part of the US-brokered framework, while the next Rome talks are set to move unresolved issues to technical teams. Education Under Fire: Lebanon’s education minister says Israeli forces destroyed three schools in southern Lebanon, alleging looting and explosives. Travel Warnings: The US State Department placed Lebanon among 23 countries on its Level 4 “Do Not Travel” list, citing serious security risks and limited ability to assist Americans. UNESCO Heritage in Danger: UNESCO is set to vote on listing Lebanese “Mount Amel” castles as threatened, with conflict and climate risks flagged. Local Community Support: The Lebanon Redevelopment Commission advanced a $100,000 preschool grant request to expand access for working families.

Southern Lebanon Schools Hit: Lebanon’s education minister says Israel completely destroyed three schools in the south—two in Khiam and one in Bint Jbeil—after looting and rigging them with explosives, adding them to the growing list of education sites damaged in the conflict. Pilot Zones & Talks: A virtual Lebanese-Israeli military meeting on the first pilot zones was postponed as Lebanon presses for Israel to stop stalling; the U.S.-brokered framework signed June 26 still lacks a clear timetable, with verification of Hezbollah disarmament a key sticking point. UN Humanitarian Update: UN OCHA says returns to home areas are continuing but slower, with 412,000 still displaced and humanitarian needs remaining high as funding for the flash appeal remains under half. Regional Tensions: The U.S. denies Iran’s IRGC claim it attacked American forces at Al Tanf in Syria, while Lebanon continues to report strikes and damage amid the wider regional escalation. Lebanon Politics: Parliament adjourned a two-day session that would have abolished the death penalty, after lawmakers walked out and the bill failed to reach the required quorum.

Southern Lebanon Pilot Zones: Lebanon’s army is preparing to deploy to two US-brokered “pilot zones” in the south in the coming days, as Rome talks with Israel continue but without a clear timetable for full withdrawal; Beirut says it won’t attend further Rome rounds until Israel completes the agreed pullout. EU Security Debate: Germany renewed calls for an EU force to replace UNIFIL after its December 2026 expiry, arguing it could prevent a “security vacuum” while Israel withdraws and Hezbollah is kept from “returning with terror.” UAE Aid to Lebanon: The first UAE humanitarian convoy has arrived with 29 trucks of food and essential supplies via Masnaa, coordinated with Lebanon’s Higher Relief Commission. Regional War Spillover: The US expanded strikes on Iran, hitting bridges and a port tower, while Iran and its allies reported new attacks across the region, keeping Lebanon tied to wider escalation. Hezbollah-Israel Tensions: Hezbollah said it targeted Israeli air-defense systems near Caesarea, as Israel continues strikes in southern Lebanon despite diplomacy.

Pilot Zones & Lebanon-Israel Talks: Lebanon’s FM Youssef Raggi says the goal is a full Israeli withdrawal from all occupied Lebanese territory, while U.S.-brokered “pilot zones” talks in Rome keep circling around when and how the Lebanese army will deploy and whether Hezbollah will be cleared. Reports say the LAF will begin deploying in the coming days, but Lebanon insists on no gaps in withdrawal and disarmament, as Israel’s pullout timelines remain disputed. Southern Lebanon Under Strain: Israeli strikes hit Nabatieh al-Fawqa, with reports of deaths and fires, even as negotiations continue. Hezbollah Arms Smuggling Row: Syria says it seized missiles, drones, and other weapons hidden in a tanker-truck at the Iraq border bound for Hezbollah; Hezbollah denies any activity in Syria. Regional Escalation: The U.S. keeps striking Iran for a fifth straight day, with Iran warning it could target Gulf infrastructure and pressure allies. Local Life: A free “Decades of Music” festival marks The Heart of Lebanon’s 10th anniversary Saturday. Sports/Community: Ivana Milkova of Lebanon was selected for a USTA coaching program aimed at expanding women’s pathways in tennis.

Pilot Zones Talks: Lebanon and Israel wrapped up two days of US-mediated “pilot zones” talks in Rome, agreeing on the structure and guidelines for a phased process in southern Lebanon, but without a clear timetable for full Israeli withdrawal. Local Governance & Security: Lebanon says its army will deploy into the pilot areas first, while Israel insists troops will stay in “security zones” unless Hezbollah disarms and withdrawal criteria are met. Hezbollah Weapons Pressure: Syria says it intercepted an advanced weapons shipment meant for Hezbollah at the Syrian-Iraqi border, underscoring the wider push to choke supply lines. Humanitarian Relief: Jordan sent its 10th humanitarian convoy to Lebanon—26 trucks of food and medical aid—while UN officials warn needs remain significant. US Politics: The US House rejected a bid to end Israel security aid, highlighting a deepening split among Democrats. Southern Lebanon Reality Check: Displaced families are returning to shattered border areas, but many still face barriers and destruction.

Rome Talks Update: Lebanon and Israel wrapped two days of U.S.-mediated talks in Rome, agreeing on the “structure and guidelines” for two southern “pilot zones,” with implementation expected in the coming days, while major issues like Hezbollah disarmament and withdrawal timing remain unresolved. Local Verification Plan: Lebanon is set to coordinate inspections through a Military Coordination Committee once pilot-zone implementation starts, with longer-term verification to be handled by a third party. On-the-Ground Pressure: Despite diplomacy, Israeli strikes and house demolitions in southern Lebanon continued, and Lebanon received the remains of a soldier withheld by Israel for months. U.S.-Israel Rift: In Washington, more than half of House Democrats backed efforts to cut $3.3 billion in military aid to Israel, signaling a widening split inside the party as public opinion shifts. Hormuz Escalation: The U.S. said it disabled an oil tanker trying to breach its blockade in the Strait of Hormuz as strikes on Iran continued, while Iran warned of “existential war” and threatened further energy disruptions.