Lebanese army deploys to southern pilot zone as Israeli pullback begins

The Lebanese army announced that its troops entered the village of Zawtar al-Gharbiyeh in Nabatieh district on Tuesday morning as part of a pilot zone deployment following the withdrawal of Israeli forces under a US-brokered agreement reached last month, the army command said.

Israel’s military confirmed on Monday night the start of the pilot zone plan, which envisages Israeli troops pulling back from a small part of territory occupied during the conflict with Hezbollah and the disarmament of the Iran-backed group, according to statements in the original report.

President Joseph Aoun is due to meet US President Donald Trump in Washington, where he is expected to seek pressure on Israel to withdraw from the rest of southern Lebanon and support for the Lebanese army to assume control over areas influenced by Hezbollah, as noted in the source text.

The conflict began on 2 March when Hezbollah launched rockets into Israel in response to a strike that killed Iran’s supreme leader, leading Israel to launch a bombing campaign across Lebanon and invade much of the south, the report states.

The Lebanese health ministry reports more than 4,300 people killed in Lebanon, including almost 800 children, women and medics. Israeli authorities say 37 Israeli soldiers and four civilians have been killed on both sides of the border during the conflict.

Liberal News Analysis: What Does This Development Mean?

The army’s deployment to Zawtar al-Gharbiyeh marks the initiation of the pilot zone outlined in the US-brokered agreement, as reported. Israel’s confirmation of the pilot zone plan and the stated aims regarding Israeli pullback and Hezbollah disarmament are the key elements highlighted. The upcoming meeting between President Aoun and President Trump is presented in the source as a forum where withdrawal and army support will be raised.

Quick Glance: What You Need to Know

• Lebanese army entered Zawtar al-Gharbiyeh in Nabatieh district as part of a pilot zone deployment.
• Israel confirmed the start of the pilot zone plan involving limited troop withdrawal and Hezbollah disarmament.
• More than 4,300 deaths reported in Lebanon, including nearly 800 children, women and medics; Israeli sources report 37 soldiers and four civilians killed.