Despite the continued escalation in southern Lebanon, marked by bulldozing operations, house burnings, and limited Israeli airstrikes, preparations for the launch of the "Experimental Zones" operation appear to be nearing implementation, backed by strong American momentum. Attention is now focused on this anticipated field initiative, widely seen as the first real test of the US-sponsored framework agreement between Lebanon and Israel. Its outcome is expected either to ease major doubts over the agreement's viability or to deal a significant setback with negative repercussions for Lebanon.

According to information obtained by Annahar, preparations in Beirut for this phase will coincide with the sixth round of Lebanese-Israeli-American negotiations, scheduled to take place in Rome on Wednesday and Thursday. The talks are expected to establish a comprehensive framework linking the on-the-ground launch of the agreement with the formation of the technical and political committees stemming from it.

**Israeli airstrikes targeted the town of Mansouri in the Tyre district of southern Lebanon on Saturday (circulated photo).**

Despite conflicting media reports and political skepticism ahead of what are considered critical days, Annahar has learned that positive developments emerged over the past few hours, particularly regarding military coordination led by the United States. These developments have reinforced hopes for the success of the upcoming Rome negotiations.

The American military delegation currently in Lebanon has held meetings with the Lebanese Army leadership to discuss the executive mechanisms required to launch the first phase of implementing the "Framework Paper," beginning with the establishment of the first "experimental zone" under the proposed plan.

In the same context, Agence France-Presse quoted an informed source as saying that the American delegation's primary objective during its visit is to translate the "Framework Paper" into practical implementation measures and develop the mechanisms needed to execute them on the ground.

Leaflets dropped by Israeli aircraft over the town of Mansouri in the Tyre district of southern Lebanon on Saturday (circulated photo).

An American military official told AFP that work is underway to prepare maps for additional "experimental zones" across Lebanon, alongside preparations to launch the first zone between Lebanon and Israel in the coming days as part of the implementation of the framework agreement.

The official said the current stage marks the transition from planning to practical implementation. He added that the meetings between the American delegation and the Lebanese Army leadership in Beirut are focused on establishing the operational mechanisms needed to enforce the agreement's provisions.

He further noted that the US Central Command (CENTCOM) will coordinate implementation between Lebanon and Israel, oversee the execution of the "experimental zones" mechanism, and monitor developments on the ground throughout the different phases.

The official also said the United States will soon begin engaging with international partners to mobilize support for the Lebanese government in efforts aimed at helping it "restore its sovereignty."

Israeli forces carried out a controlled demolition operation between the towns of Kfar Tebnit and Arnoun in the Nabatieh district on Saturday (circulated photo).

Meanwhile, Lebanon has officially informed Washington that it will participate in the upcoming round of negotiations with Israel in Rome, while the Lebanese Army has reaffirmed its readiness to deploy in any areas vacated by Israeli forces.

An official Lebanese source said the army conveyed this readiness to the visiting American military delegation. The source added that Lebanon's delegation to the Rome talks will consist solely of diplomatic representatives, with no military participation.

Army Commander General Rodolphe Haykal also briefed President General Joseph Aoun on the details discussed during the meetings.

Another key development comes as the mandate of the UNIFIL mission approaches its scheduled expiration at the end of the year, amid international efforts to identify a possible alternative force. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul announced that Berlin and Paris intend to launch a joint initiative aimed at advancing peace in Lebanon.

"We, Germany and France, want to formulate a joint policy toward Lebanon to increase the chances of achieving peace in the Middle East," the minister said, without providing further details. The initiative is expected to be announced during the Franco-German Ministerial Council meeting on July 17.