Lebanese army begins southern deployment after Israeli pullback under security plan
The Lebanese army has started deploying troops in the southern town of Zawtar al-Gharbiyeh following the withdrawal of Israeli forces, marking a significant step in the implementation of a security arrangement designed to stabilize one of the Middle East's most sensitive border regions.
According to a senior Lebanese security official, the deployment began on Tuesday as part of a phased process intended to transfer security responsibilities to Lebanon's national armed forces. The move follows the exit of Israeli troops from the area and reflects progress in a U.S.-mediated initiative aimed at reducing military tensions along the frontier.
The security framework envisions the Lebanese army gradually assuming control over designated areas in southern Lebanon while working to remove unauthorized weapons held by the Iran-backed Hezbollah movement. At the same time, Israeli forces are expected to continue a staged withdrawal from agreed locations.
Israeli military officials confirmed earlier that the initiative, known as the pilot zone programme, had entered its implementation phase. However, they did not provide additional comments regarding Tuesday's deployment.
The latest development represents an important test for the broader effort to strengthen the authority of the Lebanese state in southern regions that have long been shaped by the presence of armed non-state actors and repeated cross-border confrontations.
Security analysts view the deployment as a confidence-building measure that could reduce the likelihood of renewed hostilities if both sides adhere to the agreed timetable. Nevertheless, the success of the initiative will depend on sustained coordination among the Lebanese army, international mediators and Israeli authorities, as well as the practical implementation of commitments concerning weapons control and troop withdrawals.
Southern Lebanon has experienced recurring periods of instability for decades, making any coordinated security transition particularly significant. The current deployment is expected to be closely monitored by regional and international stakeholders seeking to preserve calm along the Israel-Lebanon border.
While the operation remains in its early stages, the presence of Lebanese government forces in newly vacated areas signals an effort to reinforce state institutions and support longer-term stability through negotiated security arrangements rather than renewed military confrontation.
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