The Lebanese military has initiated deployment to southern Lebanese territories under a framework agreement signed with Israel last month in Washington, DC. The arrangement calls for Israeli forces to withdraw from designated areas while the Lebanese army assumes security responsibilities in those zones. The first phase of this pilot zone project involves three towns, with Zawtar al-Gharbiya seeing confirmed military deployment on Tuesday morning.
Displaced residents began returning to villages in the southern region on Monday following the announcement of the pilot zone initiative. However, complications have emerged regarding the scope of the agreement. Froun and neighboring Ghandouriyeh, identified as part of the first and second phases respectively, present a contentious case. Local officials and security sources have stated that Israeli forces never occupied these villages, raising questions about what constitutes a withdrawal under the framework. This has led some residents and municipal leaders to contend that Israel is not genuinely relinquishing territory despite the agreement’s terms.
The security situation remains precarious for returning residents. Roads connecting the villages face ongoing Israeli military fire, and Israeli-occupied positions in surrounding areas maintain visibility over the territory. Despite these hazards, families have begun the arduous process of returning and salvaging belongings from destroyed properties. One resident described his determination to rebuild despite continuous bombardment, while others expressed cautious optimism about the presence of Lebanese military and United Nations peacekeeping forces in the area.
The scale of destruction in these villages is severe, with municipal officials reporting that approximately 250 of 260 homes in Ghandouriyeh are destroyed or damaged. Village leadership has expressed skepticism about the pilot zone framework, with some officials characterizing it as offering minimal tangible benefits. The Lebanese government views the military presence and state authority demonstrations as significant steps, though the arrangement remains conditional on addressing the disarmament of Hezbollah, which Israel has identified as a prerequisite for full withdrawal. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun is scheduled to discuss extending state authority with US President Donald Trump in Washington, DC, on Tuesday.