In brief
A new chapter in Lebanon’s conflict has begun as Lebanese forces move into a pilot zone following Israel’s departure from the southern region. The move is part of a US‑mediated agreement aimed at easing hostilities and addressing security concerns. The Lebanese army’s deployment signals an attempt to regain control in areas historically dominated by Hezbollah. This development underscores the broader push for stability in an area still fraught with tension.
Lebanese Army Deployed in Pilot Zone After Israeli Withdrawal
The Lebanese army announces it has begun deploying troops into a designated "pilot zone" in the south, following the recent withdrawal of Israeli forces under a U.S.‑brokered agreement reached last month.
Commanders report that units entered the village of Zawtar al‑Gharbiyeh in the Nabatieh district on Tuesday morning, marking a concrete step towards reasserting national control over the area.
The agreement began on Monday night, stipulating that Israeli troops would exit a small portion of territory occupied during their conflict with Hezbollah and that the Iran‑backed group would disarm in that area.
This follows a planned meeting in Washington between U.S. President Donald Trump and Lebanese Prime Minister Joseph Aoun, where Aoun is expected to urge the U.S. to pressures Israel to withdraw from the rest of southern Lebanon and to back Lebanese forces in securing areas under Hezbollah influence.
The conflict, which erupted on 2 March after Hezbollah launched rockets into Israel following a strike on Iran’s Supreme Leader, has claimed more than 4,300 Lebanese lives, including nearly 800 children, women and healthcare workers, per the Lebanese health ministry.
Israeli officials report casualties of 37 soldiers and four civilians on both sides of the border during the hostilities.
