US says Israeli withdrawal from south Lebanon 'pilot zones' has begun

Lebanese army enters Zawtar Al Gharbiyeh after Israeli withdrawal under pilot scheme Lebanese troops took control of the southern village of Zawtar Al Gharbiyeh on Tuesday, marking the first town transferred from Israeli to Lebanese military authority under the pilot-zone initiative. The move followed the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from the area, according to statements from the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF). Soldiers deployed in the town faced initial resistance, with reports indicating that Israeli soldiers opened fire as Lebanese troops advanced. However, no casualties were reported among the Lebanese forces. The operation was conducted in coordination with the Military Co-ordination Group for Lebanon, a body established as part of the broader US-mediated framework agreement between Israel and Lebanon. The transfer of Zawtar Al Gharbiyeh represents a key step in the phased redeployment of Israeli forces and the gradual assumption of security responsibilities by the Lebanese military. Demining operations became the immediate focus for the LAF, with soldiers conducting surveys of roads and residential structures for unexploded ordnance. These tasks were necessary before displaced residents could safely return to their homes. The village, located in southern Lebanon, had suffered extensive damage during the conflict between Hezbollah and Israeli forces. Israeli military actions, including targeted demolitions, further exacerbated the destruction. The LAF urged residents to remain in temporary shelters until the security situation stabilized. The pilot-zone program, initiated under the June 26 agreement, aims to establish a structured process for the controlled withdrawal of Israeli troops from designated areas in southern Lebanon and the subsequent deployment of Lebanese forces. The US State Department confirmed the commencement of pilot zone operations in three villages, Froun, Srifa, and Zawtar Al Gharbiyeh, during a press briefing on Monday. While the announcement marked a milestone, some local officials noted that Froun and Srifa had already been vacated by Israeli forces and were under Lebanese military control prior to the formal declaration. Israeli troops remained stationed on the outskirts of Zawtar Al Gharbiyeh, with the actual handover occurring on Tuesday. The pilot-zone initiative emerged from a series of stalled diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving the long-standing dispute over Israeli military presence in southern Lebanon. The framework agreement was negotiated following intense hostilities that began on March 2, when Hezbollah escalated rocket attacks against Israel. This escalation occurred amid a broader regional conflict involving the United States, Iran, and its allies. Israel’s military campaign led to widespread displacement and significant civilian casualties, with estimates placing the death toll above 4,300. Despite a ceasefire agreement reached in November 2024, Israeli airstrikes continued, and the country maintained its occupation of strategic areas in the south. Lebanese officials have consistently emphasized that they are awaiting Israel’s compliance with the terms of the agreement. They argue that the withdrawal of Israeli forces from agreed-upon locations is a prerequisite for the Lebanese military to assume full responsibility for the region’s security. The LAF has stated that its deployment in Zawtar Al Gharbiyeh is contingent upon ongoing communication with the Military Co-ordination Group for Lebanon. The group, which facilitates cooperation between the two nations, plays a central role in overseeing the transition. However, tensions persist, with Hezbollah opposing any measures that could lead to the disarmament of its armed wing. The group has criticized the government’s efforts to negotiate directly with Israel, arguing that such moves undermine Lebanon’s sovereignty. Meanwhile, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun continues to seek international support for the implementation of the agreement. His recent visit to Washington included high-level meetings with U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and President Donald Trump. During his trip, Aoun sought assurances that the United States would exert pressure on Israel to adhere to the terms of the June 26 agreement. The visit coincided with a call from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who pledged “assistance in all areas” for Lebanon. While the nature of Saudi support remains unclear, the gesture signals potential alignment with U.S. policy regarding regional stability. As the pilot-zone process unfolds, the success of the agreement will depend on the willingness of all parties to uphold their commitments and address the complex challenges facing Lebanon’s security and recovery.