🛡️ SOUTHERN LEBANON PILOT MOVES INTO IMPLEMENTATION: The IDF began withdrawing Tuesday morning from three pilot villages in southern Lebanon, marking its first territorial pullback since the March ground invasion. Lebanese Army units subsequently entered western Zawtar al-Gharbiya in the Nabatieh district, while continuing operations in Frun and Srifa.
Engineering units are surveying streets, locating explosives, unexploded ordnance and remaining IDF materials. The Lebanese Army instructed residents not to enter Zawtar al-Gharbiya until the security situation stabilizes and the area is declared safe. Al-Jadeed reported that an army position was established in the Al-Sawan area near the village entrance.
The pilot covers three villages, while the framework provides for the Lebanese Armed Forces to take control of two zones, conduct verified clearance operations and dismantle Hezbollah infrastructure. The army’s eventual deployment will be determined after the Israeli withdrawal is completed.
Israel described the process as a “sovereignty test” of the Lebanese Army’s ability to prevent Hezbollah from returning while preserving Israel’s freedom of action and right to respond to emerging threats. The final withdrawal process has not yet been determined.
An Israeli official told N12: “We will only leave the territory we have seized if Hezbollah is not a factor in the entire country”
Israel is also seeking international recognition for its continued control of seized territory while threats along the border persist.
A senior American official described implementation of the first pilot areas as “real progress on the ground.” The Lebanese Army is expected to clear weapons and Hezbollah infrastructure, verify the clearance and prevent the communities from being used as positions for renewed attacks.
“We expect all sides to respect this process”
The official warned that Hezbollah attempts to disrupt, infiltrate or rearm the areas would damage reconstruction prospects, peace efforts and the interests of the Lebanese population. The initiative is intended to give the Lebanese state an opportunity to regain control over areas previously dominated by Hezbollah.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said strengthening the Lebanese Army is intended to “build confidence” and eventually replace Shia militias with state security and economic stability.
🔍 GUNFIRE DURING THE DEPLOYMENT REMAINS UNVERIFIED: The Lebanese Army said Israeli forces opened fire near its units during the deployment in Zawtar al-Gharbiya. No injuries were reported, and the IDF had not immediately commented.
There is no verified confirmation from either side regarding the source of the fire. The Lebanese Army also acknowledged the possibility that it may have originated from Hezbollah.
Lebanese media separately reported Israeli shelling between Beit Yahoun and Barashit.
🔁 Know someone who should see this? Forward it.
🗨️ Join the discussion, read on web & subscribe by email: https://www.israelrealtime.com/p/subscribe
