The Lebanese Army began deploying on Tuesday in the southern town of Zawtar Al-Gharbiya after Israeli forces withdrew from the area, marking the first implementation of a U.S.mediated security plan aimed at easing tensions along the border.
According to a senior Lebanese security official, the deployment is part of a phased framework that calls for the Lebanese Armed Forces to establish control over designated areas in southern Lebanon while overseeing the removal of unauthorized weapons, alongside a gradual Isra-eli military withdrawal.
Pilot Security Zone Begins
The move follows an announcement by the Isra-eli military on Monday that it had launched the first phase of what it described as a “pilot security zone” initiative.
Under the proposed framework, Israeli forces are expected to withdraw progressively from southern Lebanon. However, Israel has linked any broader pullback to the disarmament of Hez-bollah, stating that its troops will remain temporarily in what it considers a security buffer zone.
U.S.Backed Plan
The United States has continued to press Lebanese authorities to strengthen state control in the south and address the presence of Hezbollah’s military infrastructure.
The plan envisions the Lebanese Army taking full responsibility for security in the designated pilot areas while prohibiting the presence of any armed groups outside the state’s official security institutions. If successful, the initiative could pave the way for similar arrangements in other areas of southern Lebanon.
Violence Eases Amid Diplomatic Efforts
Lebanese authorities estimate that more than 4,300 people have been killed in Israeli strikes since the conflict began.
However, the pace of hostilities has declined significantly following the U.S.Iran memorandum of understanding reached last month, as diplomatic negotiations between Lebanon and Israel continue in parallel with international efforts to stabilize the region.
