Lebanese Army Moves Into Southern Town After Israeli Withdrawal in Key Test of US Plan

The Lebanese army has begun deploying in the southern town of Zawtar al-Gharbiyeh after Israeli forces withdrew, marking the first major test of a US-brokered pilot zone program. A senior Lebanese security official confirmed the move on July 21.

The plan, backed by the United States, aims for the Lebanese army to take weapons from the Iran-backed Hezbollah group in parts of southern Lebanon while Israeli troops withdraw in stages. The Israeli military said on July 20 that the pilot zone program had started but gave no further comment.

The transfer of control in Zawtar al-Gharbiyeh is seen as a critical test of whether the Lebanese Armed Forces can exercise full authority in areas previously under Hezbollah influence. The town is located in the Nabatieh region, a Hezbollah stronghold.

Lebanon hopes the agreement will help it regain control over a strip of land about 10 kilometers deep that is still occupied by Israeli forces. That area has seen extensive destruction, with dozens of villages destroyed and key public services like hospitals and power stations damaged. Tens of thousands of residents have been displaced.

The Lebanese army warned residents not to return to the town yet until the situation stabilizes, urging them to follow military instructions for their safety. Israeli officials have expressed doubts about Lebanon’s ability to disarm Hezbollah but see the June agreement as an important step toward long-term peace.

Article source: iraqsun.com | Image credit: Reuters