Lebanese Army Moves Into Southern Town After Israeli Forces Withdraw in First Test of US-Brokered Plan

Lebanese army troops began moving into the southern town of Zawtar al-Gharbiyeh on July 21 after Israeli forces pulled out, a senior Lebanese security official confirmed. The deployment marks the first major test of a US-brokered plan aimed at disarming Hezbollah and restoring stability to the region.

The plan, known as the pilot zone program, calls for the Lebanese army to take weapons from the Iran-backed Hezbollah group in selected areas while Israeli troops withdraw in stages. The Israeli military confirmed on July 20 that the program had started, but declined further comment.

Lebanon hopes the agreement will help it regain control over a strip of land about 10 kilometers deep that remains occupied by Israeli forces. In that area, dozens of villages have been destroyed, and key infrastructure including hospitals, power stations, and water systems have been badly damaged. Tens of thousands of residents remain displaced.

The Lebanese army warned residents not to return to Zawtar al-Gharbiyeh until the situation stabilizes, urging them to follow military instructions for their safety. Israeli officials have expressed doubts about whether Lebanon can successfully disarm Hezbollah, but view the June agreement as a step toward long-term peace.

The recent fighting between Hezbollah and Israel began in early March, two days after the US and Israel carried out strikes on Iran. Hezbollah said its actions were in support of Tehran.

Article and image source: iranherald.com