Lebanese Army Arrives in the South of the Country After Israeli Troop Withdrawal
Lebanese authorities have announced the start of deployment of their military units in the south of the country following the withdrawal of Israeli troops. The first territory to come under the control of the Lebanese army was the so-called "pilot zone" in the area of the settlement Zawtar el-Gharbieh in Nabatieh province, writes the BBC.
The creation of "pilot zones" is provided for by the framework agreement between Lebanon and Israel, signed in late June in Washington. The document envisages a phased withdrawal of Israeli troops from southern Lebanon. In addition, the agreement includes a clause on the disarmament of the armed group "Hezbollah", which is supported by Iran.
At the same time, Israel previously stated that its troops would remain in a buffer zone about ten kilometers wide along the border for as long as deemed necessary to ensure the security of northern Israeli settlements.
On July 21, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun is on an official visit to the United States. His meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump is scheduled as part of the visit. The Lebanese leader is expected to insist that Washington facilitate the full withdrawal of Israeli troops from the remaining areas of southern Lebanon and the transfer of control over them to the national army.
Earlier, the U.S. State Department announced the start of implementing the "pilot zone" project in several settlements. The Lebanese army confirmed that it is already performing tasks in part of these territories. At the same time, the Israeli publication Haaretz, citing its source, claims that in some of the mentioned villages, Israeli military personnel were already absent at the time of territory transfer.
A new phase of confrontation between Israel and "Hezbollah" began on March 2 after a rocket attack on Israeli territory by the group. In response, Israel began striking Lebanese territory and conducted a ground operation in the south of the country.
In late June, after the truce came into effect, Israel and Lebanon signed a framework agreement. However, despite this, shelling and local hostilities continued.
According to Lebanese authorities, since the beginning of the new phase of the conflict, more than 4,300 people have died in the country, including about 800 children, as well as women and medical workers. The number of fallen Hezbollah fighters is not officially disclosed. On the Israeli side, according to published data, at least 37 soldiers and four civilians have died.
Comments