Die libanesische Armee tritt nach dem israelischen Rückzug in die südliche Stadt ein, als erster Test des von den USA vermittelten Deals.

Lebanese army troops began entering the southern town of Zawtar al-Gharbiyeh on Tuesday, July 21, following the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the area, marking the first implementation of a US-brokered plan aimed at restoring Lebanese sovereignty over disputed territories. According to a senior Lebanese security official, the move aligns with the “pilot zone” initiative, which includes the Lebanese armed forces confiscating weapons from the Iran-backed Hezbollah group and a phased Israeli troop withdrawal. This deployment comes amid ongoing tensions between Hezbollah and Israel, which escalated in early March following U.S. and Israeli airstrikes targeting Iran. The Israeli military confirmed earlier on Monday that it had initiated the redeployment process as part of the pilot program, describing it as a test of the Lebanese Armed Forces’ authority in the designated zones. An Israeli military official stated that the pilot serves to establish the Lebanese military as the sole authorized force in the area, emphasizing the importance of this transition for regional stability. Despite the progress, Israeli officials remain cautious about Lebanon’s capacity to fully disarm Hezbollah, though they acknowledge the agreement as a crucial step toward long-term peace. Zawtar al-Gharbiyeh, located in the Nabatieh region, has become a focal point of the conflict, with extensive damage reported across the town. The local mayor, Abed Ezzeddin, described the destruction as “extremely extensive,” noting that more than half of the town had been reduced to rubble, and the remaining structures were severely damaged, rendering them uninhabitable. He expressed concerns about the safety of returning residents, particularly given that Israeli forces still occupy the neighboring town of Zawtar al-Sharqiyeh, just a five-minute walk away. “How can I be sure that I can enter Zawtar al-Gharbiyeh safely?” Ezzeddin asked, highlighting the lingering risks posed by the proximity of Israeli forces. Lebanese army units have begun clearing the town for unexploded ordnance, with engineering teams already present in Zawtar al-Gharbiyeh. However, the military has advised residents not to enter the area until the security situation is deemed stable and to follow instructions from deployed forces. The army reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safety of civilians during this critical phase of the operation. Meanwhile, the Lebanese government continues to seek international support, with President Joseph Aoun set to meet U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington later on Tuesday, aiming to secure backing for the broader peace initiative. The pilot zone program represents a significant shift in the balance of power in southern Lebanon, where Hezbollah has maintained a stronghold for years. The plan seeks to dismantle the group’s influence by removing weapons from the region and allowing the Lebanese state to reclaim control. However, the success of this effort hinges on the effectiveness of the Lebanese military in enforcing the disarmament process and maintaining order in areas previously dominated by Hezbollah. The challenge is compounded by the continued presence of Israeli troops nearby, which raises questions about the long-term viability of the agreement. As the situation unfolds, the focus remains on the practical implications of the military deployment and the potential for future negotiations. The outcome of this initial phase will likely shape the trajectory of the broader peace talks and determine whether the US-brokered deal can serve as a foundation for lasting stability in the region. For now, the priority is ensuring the safety of both military personnel and civilian populations in the wake of prolonged conflict and displacement.