Lebanese Army Deploys to ‘Pilot Zone’ as Israeli Withdrawal Ends
The Lebanese army announced that its engineering units have moved into the village of Zawtar al‑Gharbiyeh in the Nabatieh district as part of a “pilot zone” plan agreed with Israel and the United States. The deployment follows Israel’s withdrawal from parts of southern Lebanon under a trilateral framework that also calls for the disarmament of Hezbollah.
During the operation, Israeli troops reportedly fired warning shots into the air after Lebanese units crossed into what Israel calls a 10‑km security zone and breached local barriers. Lebanese forces withdrew without casualties, and the army urged civilians to stay away from the area until security stabilises.
The pilot zone includes Zawtar al‑Gharbiyeh, as well as Froun and Srifa, where Lebanese troops are already active. A US State Department statement said the initiative is a “milestone” stemming from discussions in Rome and Rome in June, underscoring the role of the Trilateral Framework.
Leaders from the U.S., Lebanon, and Israel met in Washington to solidify the arrangement, with President Donald Trump pledging U.S. support for Lebanon’s efforts to disarm Hezbollah. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun highlighted the need for political backing and a stronger army.
Israeli officials stressed that the pilot zone’s purpose is the removal of Hezbollah’s illegal weapons, while maintaining a posture to defend Israeli communities. The IDF also confirmed it would adjust its force presence in the zone to facilitate Lebanese operations.
Human rights groups have raised concerns that Israeli strikes and demolitions in the region may target civilian infrastructure. Hezbollah disputes the agreement, arguing that the disarmament link crosses multiple red lines. The situation remains tense, with both sides grappling over territorial control and security guarantees.
