Israeli forces advanced beyond the Litani River during the 2026 escalation, seizing positions such as Beaufort Castle and establishing a buffer zone roughly 10 km inside Lebanon, before a June US-brokered truce and framework agreement. That deal outlined phased Israeli withdrawals from pilot zones in exchange for Lebanese Armed Forces deployment and Hezbollah disarmament south of the river, with partial handovers occurring in July. As of mid-August, Israeli troops retain control of the broader buffer amid ongoing Rome talks aimed at expanding those zones, resolving border issues, and advancing a comprehensive security arrangement. Netanyahu has conditioned full withdrawal on Hezbollah's complete removal from southern Lebanon, while Hezbollah has rejected disarmament terms and Lebanese officials have highlighted implementation gaps. Trader focus centers on the pace of US-mediated progress, Lebanese army readiness, and any new escalations that could alter withdrawal timelines.