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A week after the launch of the "pilot zone" plan in southern Lebanon, the gap between its ambitions and on-the-ground reality remains stark. The plan, part of a June 26 agreement between Lebanon, the US, and Israel, is designed to see the Israeli military gradually redeploy out of parts of southern Lebanon it currently controls, allowing the Lebanese army (LAF) to move in. The pilot zones are intended to end the Israeli occupation of southern Lebanon, with the Lebanese army controlling areas to prevent Hezbollah from operating there.

Coverage Comparison

Deutsche Welle reports that while the plan is in place, troubling incidents have already occurred. The Israeli army shot at the vicinity of Lebanese soldiers as they approached one area last week, and Israeli demolitions of homes and buildings in Lebanon continue, as do attacks with drones and bombs elsewhere in southern Lebanon. The UN human rights chief, Volker Türk, stated that Israel's overall conduct resulting in large-scale displacement and denial of returns could amount to international crimes.

The Jerusalem Post reports that the IDF opened fire in the vicinity of Lebanese Army troops in Zawtar al-Gharbiya, an area in the city of Nabatiya, during implementation of the "Safe Zone" pilot program. The LAF claimed this was an attempt to obstruct the implementation of the pilot zones by stopping Lebanese soldiers from entering them. The pilot program dictates that LAF troops will enter designated areas to verify they have been cleared of Hezbollah operatives and weapons.

The Jerusalem Post also provides context on the agreement, noting the pilot zone plan is a framework agreement between Israel and Lebanon linking Israeli withdrawal to Hezbollah's disarmament. The US is responsible for overseeing implementation and verification. The Lebanese government has acknowledged that Hezbollah's weapons are the principal obstacle to a full Israeli withdrawal.

Key Claims

  • The pilot zone plan was launched to see the Israeli military gradually redeploying out of parts of southern Lebanon it currently controls, allowing the Lebanese army to move in.
  • The plan involves the Israeli military redeploying, and the Lebanese army moving into areas once the Israeli military has redeployed.
  • There have been incidents, including the Israeli army shooting at the vicinity of Lebanese soldiers.
  • The UN human rights chief has stated that Israel's conduct could amount to international crimes.
  • The pilot program dictates that LAF troops will enter designated areas in southern Lebanon to verify they have been cleared of Hezbollah operatives and weapons.
  • The US is responsible for overseeing the implementation and verification of the agreement.
  • The Lebanese government has acknowledged that Hezbollah's weapons are the principal obstacle to a full Israeli withdrawal.
  • The US Department of State announced the start of pilot zone operations in southern Lebanon.
  • The pilot zones are part of a trilateral framework between Israel, Lebanon, and the US.
  • The LAF is deploying soldiers and vehicles to the pilot zones.
  • The US is working closely with both parties to implement the framework.

Perspectives

Lebanese Government

Beirut focuses on using the pilot zones to secure an Israeli withdrawal or redeployment, emphasizing LAF deployment as a step toward fulfilling obligations. President Joseph Aoun told the UN human rights chief that the Israeli army's behavior jeopardizes the agreement. The LAF claims incidents obstruct implementation.

Israeli Military

An IDF source told KAN News that troops opened fire after Lebanese soldiers crossed the established borders of the pilot zone. The IDF confirmed the "Safe Zone" pilot program began with cooperation from the US and Lebanese militaries.

United States

The US Department of State announced the start of pilot zone operations, calling it a milestone under the Trilateral Framework. The US aims for Lebanon to restore sovereignty, with a more ambitious objective than Beirut's, focusing on the Lebanese state's restoration of control.

UN Human Rights Chief

Volker Türk stated that Israel's overall conduct resulting in large-scale displacement and denial of returns could amount to international crimes.

Local Officials

Mayor of Srifa, Hussein Kamaleddine, told DW he didn't understand why his village or Froun had been made pilot zones since Israeli soldiers had never been stationed there, calling it "something that was forced upon us."