Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, accompanied by high-ranking defense officials, visited the southern town of Zoutar al-Gharbiya on Wednesday to mark the deployment of the Lebanese Army in the area. Prime Minister Salam characterized the military’s presence as the “beginning of the Israeli withdrawal” from Lebanese territory, signaling a shift in the region’s security status as the army begins to establish positions within designated “pilot areas.”
Military Deployment in Pilot Zones
The Lebanese Army began its deployment in Zoutar al-Gharbiya on Tuesday, acting under the framework of a June 26 agreement signed in Washington between Lebanon, Israel, and the United States. Zoutar al-Gharbiya, located in the Nabatieh district north of the Litani River, is one of three towns selected for this initial phase, alongside Froun in the Bint Jbeil district and Srifa in the Tyre district. According to a Lebanese military source, units are currently reinforcing positions with armored vehicles and conducting engineering surveys to clear war remnants, including unexploded ordnance and improvised devices, to ensure the area is safe for civilian movement.
Did You Know?
The deployment of the Lebanese Army into Zoutar al-Gharbiya, Froun, and Srifa follows a framework agreement signed on June 26 in Washington, D.C., which was facilitated by the United States to allow the Lebanese military to exercise control over these specific pilot regions.
State Plans for Civilian Return
During his inspection of the town, Prime Minister Salam was joined by Minister of Defense Michel Mansi, Chief of Staff Major General Hassan Aoude, and Secretary-General of the Higher Defense Council Major General Mohammed Al-Mustafa. The Prime Minister noted that the government is now mobilizing resources to facilitate the return of residents to their homes. Efforts are currently underway to restore essential infrastructure, including water, electricity, and telecommunications, while also preparing temporary housing to support the transition. The Lebanese Army and security forces remain on-site to provide protection for returning citizens, even as Israeli drones continue to conduct flights over the region.
While the Lebanese government views this as a step toward total withdrawal, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has previously stated that Israel would maintain a presence in southern security zones until Hezbollah disarms. Simultaneously, Hezbollah rejects the framework agreement, labeling it a violation of national sovereignty and refusing to relinquish its weapons.
Future Outlook and Security Challenges
The government has committed to continuing its diplomatic and political efforts to secure a full withdrawal from all Lebanese territories.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the “pilot areas” in southern Lebanon?
According to the agreement signed on June 26, these areas are intended to enable the Lebanese Army to establish control and facilitate the return of displaced residents to their towns with essential services restored.
Which towns are included in the first phase of the deployment?
The first phase includes the towns of Zoutar al-Gharbiya in the Nabatieh district, Froun in the Bint Jbeil district, and Srifa in the Tyre district.
What is the position of Hezbollah regarding the current deployment?
Hezbollah considers the framework agreement “non-existent” and views the empowerment of the Lebanese Army in these pilot zones as a concession of sovereignty, while also maintaining its refusal to disarm.
How do you view the balance between state-led reconstruction and the ongoing security concerns in southern Lebanon?
Related reading