BEIRUT: The Lebanese Army has begun deploying troops in the southern town of Zawtar al-Gharbiyeh after Israeli forces withdrew from the area, marking the first implementation of a US-brokered security plan aimed at restoring Lebanese state authority in parts of southern Lebanon.
According to Lebanese security officials, the phased plan provides for the deployment of the Lebanese Armed Forces in areas vacated by Israeli troops while government forces work to confiscate unauthorized weapons held by Hezbollah in designated parts of southern Lebanon.
The Israeli military confirmed that the initiative, described as the “pilot zone programme,” officially began this week. Tuesday’s deployment represents the first practical test of the agreement, which Lebanese authorities hope will eventually restore state control over a roughly 10-kilometre-deep strip of territory still affected by the conflict.
The Lebanese Army announced that engineering units entered Zawtar al-Gharbiyeh, in the Nabatieh region, to search for unexploded ordnance before residents are allowed to return. Military officials urged civilians to avoid entering the town until security operations are completed and the area is declared safe.
Local officials said the town has suffered widespread destruction. Mayor Abed Ezzeddin stated that more than half of the town had been destroyed, while many remaining buildings sustained severe structural damage, leaving the area largely uninhabitable.
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The mayor also expressed concern that nearby Israeli military positions in Zawtar al-Sharqiyeh continue to pose security risks, questioning whether displaced residents could safely return while Israeli forces remain in neighboring areas.
The latest escalation between Israel and Hezbollah began in March 2026, shortly after the United States and Israel launched military strikes against Iran. Hezbollah said its operations were carried out in support of Tehran.
Israeli officials have acknowledged doubts about Lebanon’s ability to fully disarm Hezbollah but described the new security arrangement as an important step toward long-term stability between the two countries.
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Meanwhile, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun is expected to meet US President Donald Trump in Washington later Tuesday, with regional security and implementation of the agreement expected to feature prominently in the discussions.
