**Lebanese Army Deploys to Southern Lebanon Following Israeli Withdrawal from Pilot Zone**
In a significant development aimed at reducing tensions along the Israel-Lebanon border, Lebanese troops commenced their deployment in southern Lebanon on Tuesday. This move follows the withdrawal of Israeli forces from a designated pilot zone, a step facilitated by a United States-brokered agreement.
The Lebanese army announced that its units had entered the village of Zawtar al Gharbiyeh, located in the Nabatieh district. This deployment is part of a broader strategy involving ongoing coordination with the Military Coordination Group for Lebanon, which was established to oversee the implementation of the agreement aimed at enhancing security in the region.
The pilot zone plan allows for the gradual withdrawal of Israeli troops from specific areas, while simultaneously enabling the Lebanese army to assume security responsibilities. The agreement is also focused on addressing the presence of Hezbollah, a militant group that has been a source of tension in the area.
The U.S. State Department confirmed that operations have also begun in the villages of Froun and Srifa. Officials characterized this development as a “milestone,” resulting from discussions held between Israeli and Lebanese representatives in Rome the previous week. The Israeli military corroborated the adjustments in its deployment, stating that it would allow the Lebanese army to carry out its mission effectively.
An Israeli military official emphasized that the primary objective of this pilot initiative is the disarmament of Hezbollah and the removal of its illegal weapons. However, the official also noted that Israeli forces would maintain a presence in the security zone along the border “for as long as necessary” and would retain the right to respond to any threats that may arise.
These developments come in the context of heightened diplomatic engagement, with a meeting scheduled in Washington between U.S. President Donald Trump and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun. During a joint appearance, Trump expressed his commitment to supporting Lebanon, acknowledging that the country has faced significant challenges and asserting that it would now receive “the respect it deserves.”
In light of the ongoing military operations, the Lebanese army has advised residents of Zawtar al Gharbiyeh to refrain from returning to the area until security conditions are deemed stable. The army has urged civilians to adhere to the instructions provided by deployed troops as operations continue.
This deployment marks a critical moment in the evolving security landscape of southern Lebanon, reflecting both the complexities of regional politics and the efforts to stabilize an area long affected by conflict and militant activity. As the situation develops, the international community will be closely monitoring the outcomes of this agreement and its implications for peace and security in the region.