Israel Transfers Southern Lebanon Pilot Zones to Lebanese Army

Israeli forces have begun transferring control of designated pilot zones in southern Lebanon to the Lebanese army as part of a U.S.-brokered agreement. The deal requires the Israeli military to withdraw in exchange for the disarmament of Hezbollah. In Zawtar al-Gharbieh, one of the initial zones, about 15 families have returned to find nearly half of the village's 500 homes destroyed.

Israel Katz, the Israeli Defense Minister, stated that the military destroyed 24 villages and between 15,000 and 20,000 houses, asserting these areas housed Hezbollah operatives. While the Lebanese army is now present in Zawtar al-Gharbieh, residents report continued insecurity caused by nearby Israeli troops and drone activity. Zawtar al-Sharqiyah, an adjacent village, remains fully occupied by Israeli forces.

Hezbollah continues to oppose the agreement and the prospect of direct talks between Lebanon and Israel. Technical teams from both nations are scheduled to meet in Rome starting August 4 to identify additional pilot zones for future handover.