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Lebanese army says troops deploying in ‘pilot zone’ after Israeli withdrawal
Lebanon's army has begun deploying troops to a "pilot zone" in the south of the country, following Israel's withdrawal from part of the territory it occupied during last year's conflict with Hezbollah. The move, confirmed by Israel's military on Monday night, forms part of a US-brokered agreement and marks an early step towards a wider Israeli pullback and the disarmament of the Iran-backed group.
Lebanese units entered the village of Zawtar al-Gharbiyeh in Nabatieh district on Tuesday morning. The development comes ahead of a Washington meeting between US President Donald Trump and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, who is expected to press Trump to push Israel towards a full withdrawal from southern Lebanon and to back the Lebanese army in asserting control over Hezbollah-influenced areas. The conflict, triggered on 2 March when Hezbollah fired rockets at Israel after a strike killed Iran's supreme leader, has left more than 4,300 people dead in Lebanon, including almost 800 women, children and medics, while Israel reports 37 soldiers and four civilians killed.
In short
- Lebanese troops enter southern "pilot zone" after Israeli withdrawal
- Part of US-brokered deal involving Hezbollah's disarmament
- Comes ahead of Trump-Aoun meeting in Washington
Explained simply
Israel and Hezbollah, an armed group based in Lebanon and backed by Iran, fought a major conflict last year that resulted in thousands of deaths and injuries. The fighting left Israeli forces occupying parts of southern Lebanon and caused significant displacement and destruction. The conflict posed a threat to stability in the wider region.
The United States negotiated a ceasefire agreement to end the conflict. The deal requires Israeli forces to withdraw from Lebanese territory and Hezbollah to disarm. Both sides have agreed to the terms.
The agreement is intended to allow Lebanon's government to restore control over areas previously dominated by Hezbollah. It provides a way for both sides to move away from military confrontation. The outcome will affect stability in both countries and across the Middle East region.