Lebanese army deploys in ‘pilot zones’ under US-backed plan

Lebanese army deploys in ‘pilot zones’ under US-backed plan as tensions persist

The Lebanese army has initiated the deployment of troops to three southern towns as part of a United States-brokered framework agreement between Lebanon and Israel, marking the first phase of a gradual Israeli withdrawal from the region. However, the military has accused Israel of hindering its efforts through ongoing shelling and clearance operations, according to multiple reports.

Coverage comparison

Reports from Al Jazeera, the BBC, the Jerusalem Post, and TASS describe the deployment as the beginning of a plan to test the Lebanese army’s ability to enforce security and prevent Hezbollah from re-establishing a presence in designated areas. The three villages chosen for the first phase are Zawtar al-Gharbiya, Froun, and Srifa, as reported by Al Jazeera.

While the BBC and Al Jazeera emphasize the humanitarian dimension — with families waiting to return home after months of displacement — TASS and Al Jazeera also highlight Israeli military actions that have complicated the process. The Jerusalem Post, citing a US official, reports that further zones are being mapped out and will launch in “a matter of days.”

Key claims

• Lebanese army accuses Israel of obstruction: The Lebanese military said in a statement that Israeli forces continue to conduct shelling and clearance operations, preventing troops from fully taking over villages as agreed. “The continuation of these assaults hinders the completion of the army’s deployment … and prevents the return of residents to their villages and towns,” the army stated, as reported by Al Jazeera.

• Deployment underway: Troops entered Zawtar al-Gharbiya on Tuesday, July 21, according to Al Jazeera and the BBC. A mechanized convoy was observed entering the town, TASS reported.

• US-backed agreement: A framework agreement signed last month in Washington calls for a phased withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon and the deployment of the Lebanese army to maintain security. The BBC reported that the agreement also includes the disarmament of Hezbollah.

• Civilian casualties: More than 4,300 people have been killed in Lebanon during the latest round of violence, including nearly 800 children, women, and medics, according to the Lebanese health ministry, as reported by the BBC. Al Jazeera cited a similar figure.

• Prime Minister plants flag: Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam planted a Lebanese flag in Zawtar al-Gharbiya, calling it a political statement. “We have insisted since the beginning that our goal is the complete Israeli withdrawal from all our territory,” Salam said, as reported by Al Jazeera.

• Israeli shelling near positions: TASS reported that Israeli forces shelled an area in Zoutar al-Gharbiya where Lebanese soldiers were stationed, citing a statement from the Lebanese Army command. “Forces of occupation opened fire near positions where Lebanese soldiers were stationed in accordance with the agreements reached,” the communique said.

• Hezbollah’s continued popularity: Al Jazeera reported that Hezbollah remains popular among many residents in southern Lebanon, despite the agreement aimed at preventing the group’s return to the area.

• Further zones planned: A US official told the Jerusalem Post that the first pilot zone will launch in “a matter of days,” with additional zones being mapped out.

Perspectives

Lebanese government: Prime Minister Nawaf Salam emphasized the goal of full Israeli withdrawal and described the deployment as “just the beginning.” His office distributed images of him planting the Lebanese flag in Zawtar al-Gharbiya, as reported by Al Jazeera.

Lebanese army: The military has expressed frustration with Israeli actions, stating that continued shelling undermines its ability to complete deployment and allow residents to return. The army also prevented returns until engineering units cleared unexploded ordnance, according to Al Jazeera.

US official: Speaking to the Jerusalem Post, the official confirmed that the first pilot zone will begin shortly and that further zones are in planning stages.

Residents: Displaced families waiting to return expressed anguish. “These months spent in displacement can’t be considered living,” one woman told Al Jazeera. Some criticized the prime minister’s visit as premature, as they remained unable to enter their homes.

Israel: The Israeli military confirmed the start of the pilot zone plan, according to the BBC, but continued operations in several areas. Al Jazeera reported ongoing shelling and bulldozing in multiple towns, including Nabatieh, Bint Jbeil, and Khiam.