BEIRUT, Lebanon, July 21, (v7n) – The Lebanese army announced Tuesday that it has begun deploying to Zawtar al-Garhbiya in the Nabatieh region, one of three "pilot zones" outlined in a US-sponsored agreement with Israel aimed at disarming Hezbollah. The deployment comes as Lebanese President Joseph Aoun visits Washington, which brokered the deal.
Israel invaded Lebanon during its recent war with Hezbollah and has continued to occupy parts of the country despite a ceasefire. Israeli troops have so far only controlled the outskirts of Zawtar al-Garhbiya, while their presence in other areas remains unresolved. The Lebanese military already has a presence in the other two pilot zones—Froun and Srifa.
Lebanese media showed military vehicles, some flying the Lebanese flag, entering Zawtar al-Garhbiya, which sits on the edge of what Israel has dubbed its "security zone." The US State Department confirmed that the Lebanese army has begun ensuring security in all three villages, with a US official calling the moment "an opportunity for the Lebanese state to begin to reassert real control in areas historically dominated by Hezbollah."
The framework agreement, signed last month, aims for Israel's gradual withdrawal from Lebanon and Hezbollah's disarmament, with the Lebanese army taking over security in the south. However, Hezbollah has repeatedly rejected the deal and refuses to disarm, while no timetable has been set for Israel's full withdrawal.
The Israeli military announced it would "adjust its force posture in one of the pilot areas." Hezbollah drew Lebanon into the wider Middle East war in March with rocket attacks on Israel in support of Iran, prompting Israel's invasion.
end/wd/rh/
