The Lebanese army has begun deploying troops to several designated 'pilot zones' in southern Lebanon as Israeli forces initiate a partial withdrawal from areas occupied during their conflict with Hezbollah, according to multiple reports. The phased handover is part of a US-brokered security framework designed to test control mechanisms before a broader withdrawal.
Phased Deployment Underway
Lebanese military forces have entered at least three southern villages under the pilot program, including Zawtar Al Gharbieh, according to thenationalnews.com. France 24 reported that the army deployed to three southern villages as part of the US-backed security framework. The pilot zones represent a limited initial phase, with Israel maintaining control over other occupied areas in southern Lebanon pending the outcome of this test arrangement.
Testing Security and Disarmament
According to The Jerusalem Post, the pilot zones are intended to test Hezbollah disarmament mechanisms, a key condition of the broader agreement. The arrangement requires Lebanese government forces to assume control of areas previously held by Israeli troops, who occupied parts of southern Lebanon during their military operations against the Iran-backed militant group. The US-brokered plan aims to establish whether Lebanese security forces can effectively maintain control and prevent Hezbollah from reconstituting its military presence in the border region.
Under the US-brokered plan, Israel is to hand over control of some areas it occupies in the south to Lebanese government.
Diplomatic Pressure Mounts
The deployment comes amid intensifying diplomatic efforts to secure a complete Israeli withdrawal. According to The New Indian Express and France 24, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun is scheduled to meet with US President Donald Trump in Washington to press for full Israeli troop withdrawal from Lebanese territory. The meetings reflect mounting pressure on Lebanon's government to both secure Israeli departure and address demands to disarm Hezbollah, which remains a powerful political and military force within the country.
Villagers Return as Security Transitions
Al Jazeera reported that villagers have begun returning to some areas as the handover proceeds, though the security situation remains fragile. The pilot program represents a critical test of whether the Lebanese army can fill the vacuum left by departing Israeli forces while preventing Hezbollah from reasserting control. Success or failure in these initial zones will likely determine the pace and scope of further Israeli withdrawals from southern Lebanon.
The agreement marks a significant development in efforts to stabilize Lebanon's southern border region, which has been a flashpoint for conflict between Israel and Hezbollah for decades. The outcome of the pilot phase will be closely watched by international observers as an indicator of Lebanon's capacity to assert sovereignty over its territory and manage the complex security challenges posed by Hezbollah's continued presence.
