Lebanese army begins taking over security in south as Israel agrees to pull back

According to the US State Department, operations have begun in "pilot zones", a direct result of talks between Israeli and Lebanese delegations in Rome last week.

Washington will continue to work with both parties, the State Department adds.

The agreement includes Israel withdrawing its forces from southern Lebanon in phases, in exchange for the Lebanese army guaranteeing security in the areas and ensuring that they are cleared of weapons and infrastructure belonging to Hezbollah.