Residents Return to Zawtar Al-Gharbiyeh in Southern Lebanon Amid Security Measures

Residents of the southern Lebanese town of Zawtar el-Gharbi have begun returning to their homes alongside the Lebanese Armed Forces amid security and organizational measures, according to reports from official news channels and local authorities. The return follows the clearance of war remnants, unexploded ordnance, and landmines by military engineering units, allowing families to access the western and northern neighborhoods after days of waiting at checkpoints.

Zawtar el-Gharbi Residents Return Under Military Coordination

Dozens of residents arrived at the town entrances on Friday, creating heavy traffic congestion that slowed vehicle movement, while others chose to walk the final stretch to reach their properties. Zawtar el-Gharbi Mayor Abd Ezzedine stated that rubble-clearing operations are ongoing and that engineering teams are systematically clearing the area to ensure a safe return, noting that while certain neighborhoods are clear, others remain blocked by debris. The Lebanese Army allowed residents to inspect their homes in the western and northern sections without permitting permanent residence yet, following the initial deployment of military units announced on Tuesday under the first phase of the framework agreement.

Official Talks Focus on Framework Implementation and Aid

Prime Minister Nawaf Salam visited the Baabda Presidential Palace to brief President Joseph Aoun on his recent discussions in Washington with U.S. President Donald Trump and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. According to official readouts, U.S. officials expressed readiness to support the Lebanese Army and advance the framework agreement reached in Washington, while the Lebanese side emphasized the necessity of a complete Israeli withdrawal to the southern border. Meanwhile, state prosecutor Judge Ahmad Rami al-Haj denied issuing any judicial directives allowing the army to search homes in the south, contradicting rumors that followed discussions in Rome.

Regional Diplomacy and European Union Support

President Aoun welcomed European Union Ambassador Sandra De Waal alongside a delegation of 22 foreign diplomats and charges d’affaires at the Baabda Palace to discuss stability, economic reforms, and reconstruction efforts. Aoun stressed that Lebanon views the continued presence of international forces in the south—or an alternative peacekeeping force coordinated through the UN Security Council—as essential for assisting the military and implementing the framework agreement. Ambassador De Waal described the recent high-level diplomatic engagements as a historic turning point, emphasizing that Lebanon’s future depends on robust security, institutional reform, and a banking sector aligned with international standards.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current status of Zawtar el-Gharbi?
The Lebanese Army has permitted residents to enter the western and northern neighborhoods to inspect their homes following the clearance of unexploded ordnance and landmines by military engineering units, though permanent residency is not yet permitted.

What did Prime Minister Nawaf Salam discuss during his visit to the Baabda Palace?
Prime Minister Salam briefed President Joseph Aoun on his discussions with U.S. President Donald Trump and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio regarding U.S. support for the Lebanese Army and the implementation of the framework agreement.

Did the judicial authorities authorize house searches in southern Lebanon?
No. Prosecutor Judge Ahmad Rami al-Haj explicitly denied issuing any judicial orders or directives allowing the military to search homes in the south, dismissing circulating rumors.

How will the return of displaced residents and the implementation of the framework agreement shape the broader security and economic recovery across southern Lebanon?