CENTCOM Commander Negotiates Lebanon Withdrawal and Disarmament Framework
Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of U.S. Central Command, arrived in Israel on July 3, 2026, to finalize the terms of an IDF withdrawal from southern Lebanon. The U.S.-brokered proposal aims to establish a buffer zone and verify the disarmament of Hezbollah. The Lebanese government and Hezbollah have reportedly raised objections to the verification mechanisms, while Israeli officials insist that forces will not withdraw until all security guarantees are satisfied to prevent renewed rocket attacks.