The Lebanese Armed Forces began deploying into the town of Zoutar al-Gharbiya in the Nabatieh district on Tuesday, marking the start of the first phase of an international framework agreement. This movement follows a tripartite understanding reached in Rome, aimed at facilitating a gradual Israeli withdrawal from occupied Lebanese territories and transitioning security responsibilities to the Lebanese military.
Implementation of the Rome Framework Agreement
The deployment in Zoutar al-Gharbiya is part of a broader security plan managed by a tripartite committee comprising the United States, Israel, and Lebanon. Established in June, this “framework formula” seeks to establish a model for security in pilot areas where Israeli forces withdraw. According to military reports, engineering units have already begun surveying the streets of Zoutar al-Gharbiya to clear explosives and remnants of the conflict, a necessary step to secure the area for the return of civilian life.
The Lebanese Army has issued a direct warning to the public, advising citizens to avoid entering the town until the security situation stabilizes. Residents are instructed to strictly follow the guidance of deployed military units to ensure their safety as the transition proceeds.
Did You Know?
The military coordination group overseeing these transitions was established in June 2026 as part of a tripartite committee involving the United States, Israel, and Lebanon to manage the “framework formula.”
Security Objectives and Regional Scope
The current operation extends beyond Zoutar al-Gharbiya to include the towns of Froun and Sarifa. While Israeli forces were reported to be physically present in Zoutar al-Gharbiya prior to the withdrawal, reports indicate that Froun and Sarifa were previously under “fire control” rather than direct occupation. The Israeli military has explicitly linked its withdrawal to the disarmament of Hezbollah, placing the responsibility on the Lebanese Army to dismantle the group’s remaining infrastructure and disarm its elements in these areas.
Expert Insight:
The transition highlights a complex shift in southern Lebanon’s security landscape. By tasking the Lebanese Army with the removal of Hezbollah’s military infrastructure, the framework places the national military at the center of a politically sensitive disarmament process, while simultaneously navigating the pressure from Washington to dismantle the organization’s capabilities.
Future Outlook
The success of this first phase may serve as a blueprint for wider de-escalation in southern Lebanon. Since the outbreak of hostilities in March, Israeli forces have maintained a presence at the peripheries of several towns following deep incursions. If the Lebanese Army successfully secures these pilot areas and manages the disarmament requirements, it is likely that the tripartite committee will evaluate the feasibility of expanding the withdrawal process to other regions currently under Israeli control.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the deployment in Zoutar al-Gharbiya?
The deployment is the first phase of a framework agreement intended to facilitate a gradual Israeli withdrawal and transfer security control to the Lebanese Armed Forces, allowing for the potential return of normal civilian life.
What is the role of the Lebanese Army regarding Hezbollah?
Under the terms of the agreement, the Lebanese Army is tasked with dismantling the remaining infrastructure of Hezbollah, disarming the group, and taking action against its elements in the areas vacated by Israeli forces.
How does this agreement handle the presence of Israeli forces?
The agreement relies on a “framework formula” established in June by a committee of the US, Israel, and Lebanon. It calls for a gradual, phased withdrawal from occupied territories, starting with designated pilot zones like Zoutar al-Gharbiya, Froun, and Sarifa.
How do you assess the prospects for long-term stability in these regions as the Lebanese military takes on these new security mandates?