Lebanon Begins Taking Control of Pilot Zone in South

On Tuesday, the Lebanese army began deploying troops in the southern town of Zawtar al-Gharbiya after Israeli forces withdrew from the area. The move marks the first test of a US-brokered plan calling for the gradual withdrawal of Israeli troops and the disarmament of Hezbollah in parts of southern Lebanon.

Beirut hopes the agreement will allow it to regain control of a roughly 10km wide strip of territory that remains under Israeli occupation. On Monday, the Israeli military confirmed the start of the so-called pilot zone program.

The Lebanese army urged residents not to return to the town until the security situation stabilizes. Military bomb disposal teams are still clearing the area of unexploded ordnance.

Mayor Abed Ezzeddin described the destruction as exceptionally severe. More than half of the town has been destroyed, while many of the remaining buildings have suffered extensive damage, leaving the area uninhabitable. He also questioned whether it would be safe for residents to return while Israeli forces remain in the neighboring town of Zawtar al-Sharqiya.

The latest round of fighting between Hezbollah and Israel began in early March, two days after US and Israeli strikes on Iran. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun is scheduled to meet President Donald Trump in Washington on Tuesday.

(Reuters, bak)