Lebanon, Israel reportedly agree on 'pilot zones', ceasefire extension

Lebanon and Israel have agreed to extend the ceasefire after concluding a second day of direct negotiations in Washington, sources told Al-Arabiya on Wednesday.

"An agreement has been reached on creating military 'pilot zones' in south Lebanon," the sources added, referring to south Lebanon areas from which the Israeli army would withdraw ahead of the Lebanese Army's deployment in them.

Difficulties in the negotiations were reported on Tuesday and Wednesday.

"Lebanon demanded a clear timetable for Israeli withdrawal during the Washington negotiations, while Israel refused to set a date for withdrawal and linked it to the continuation of the security threat," the sources added.

"The negotiations have made progress on the technical files, but the Israeli withdrawal file remains the main point of contention," the sources went on to say.