The Lebanese army has begun deploying troops to a 'pilot zone' in the south of the country. This deployment follows the withdrawal of Israeli forces under a US-brokered agreement reached last month. Units entered the village of Zawtar al-Gharbiyeh in Nabatieh district on Tuesday morning, marking a significant step.
This action is part of a broader plan for Israeli troops to pull out of territory occupied during their conflict with Hezbollah. The agreement also aims for the disarmament of the Iran-backed group. The US State Department confirmed that 'pilot zone operations' began in Zawtar al-Gharbiyeh, Froun, and Srifa. This aligns with the Trilateral Framework agreement between Israel, Lebanon, and the US.
This development occurs ahead of a crucial meeting in Washington between US President Donald Trump and his Lebanese counterpart, Joseph Aoun. President Aoun is expected to urge Trump to pressure Israel for a full withdrawal from southern Lebanon. He will also seek support for the Lebanese army to gain full control of areas where Hezbollah currently holds sway. The 'milestone' is a direct result of recent discussions between Israeli and Lebanese representatives in Rome.
An Israeli military official confirmed the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) would 'adjust its force posture' in one pilot area. This adjustment allows the Lebanese army to carry out its mission while 'safeguarding the security of IDF soldiers'. The official reiterated the IDF's right to self-defense and to remove threats. The primary objective of this pilot phase and the overall agreement is the disarmament of the Hezbollah organization and the removal of its illegal weapons.
The Israeli official also stated that the IDF would remain in the 'security zone' for 'as long as necessary'. This security zone is a 10-kilometer deep strip of occupied Lebanese territory along the border. Its purpose is to defend northern Israeli communities. The Lebanese army command called on citizens not to enter the village until the security situation stabilizes. They also urged compliance with instructions from deployed military units for safety.
Lebanon was drawn into the conflict between Israel, the US, and Iran on March 2. Hezbollah launched rockets into Israel in retaliation for a strike that killed Iran's supreme leader. Israel responded with a bombing campaign across Lebanon and an invasion of a significant part of the country's south. This conflict has resulted in substantial casualties on both sides.
The Lebanese Health Ministry reports that over 4,300 people have been killed in Lebanon. This figure includes almost 800 children, women, and medics. Israeli authorities state that 37 Israeli soldiers and four civilians have died on both sides of the border. The deployment of the Lebanese army is a critical step towards de-escalation and the potential for a more stable future in the region. The success of this pilot zone will heavily influence future peace efforts and the broader implementation of the Trilateral Framework agreement.