Conflict & Security
Lebanese army deployment reassures Zawtar residents
The Lebanese army's deployment in Zawtar al-Gharbiya has allowed residents to inspect damaged homes and has reassured some locals, as the south Lebanon village becomes an early test of a US-sponsored framework agreement with Israel.
The Lebanese military began deploying there last week. The village is one of the first “pilot zones” under the June agreement, which calls for the Lebanese army to disarm Hezbollah after Israeli troops withdraw.
Resident Hassan Sbeih said people had started returning and were comfortable with the army's presence. Another resident, Ayad Shoucair, said people felt safe with the army there and wanted it to stay.
A Lebanese soldier in Zawtar al-Gharbiya, speaking on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to brief the media, said the army had seized weapons and dismantled explosive devices and other military equipment since deploying.
Mayor Abed Ezzeddine said three quarters of the village's buildings had been destroyed and that there was no electricity or running water. The army initially prevented residents from entering while it carried out search and sweep operations, before allowing locals to check their homes in recent days.
Israeli troops had not been stationed inside Zawtar al-Gharbiya but had carried out incursions from its outskirts before withdrawing from that area last week. AFP journalists saw Israeli military vehicles operating on a nearby hill, and explosions were heard from nearby villages.
Lebanon says Israeli troops continue to detonate or demolish buildings in areas under their control. The Lebanese army said on Sunday that continuing Israeli military activity was preventing its full deployment in southern Lebanon and stopping residents from returning to some villages and towns.
The framework agreement followed fighting in which Hezbollah fired rockets at Israel in support of Tehran and Israel responded with major airstrikes and a ground invasion. Lebanese authorities say more than 4,300 people were killed.
The deployment is a major test for the Lebanese state because Hezbollah opposes the deal with Israel and refuses to surrender its weapons. Retired Lebanese army general Fadi Daoud said the army's success in Zawtar al-Gharbiya was based on a small area, relative calm, strong political symbolism and direct US pressure, but would be difficult to repeat in larger and more complex areas.
Update
Residents have recently been allowed to inspect homes in Zawtar al-Gharbiya after the Lebanese army initially barred entry during search operations.
A Lebanese soldier said the army had seized weapons and dismantled explosive devices and other military equipment since deploying in the village.
Mayor Abed Ezzeddine said three quarters of buildings in Zawtar al-Gharbiya had been destroyed and that there was no electricity or running water.
AFP journalists saw Israeli military vehicles operating on a nearby hill, while Lebanon says Israeli troops continue demolitions in areas under their control.
Some residents said the Lebanese army presence made them feel safer, while others remained sceptical about the army's authority.
Source note: AFP news report published on 28 July 2026 at 18:41:45 UTC.
Update
Lebanon's army accused Israeli soldiers of opening fire near army positions in Kfar Tibnit, Nabatieh al-Fawqa and Zawtar al-Garhbiya.
The army said its soldiers continue to accompany residents returning to Zawtar al-Gharbiya.
Lebanon's army began deploying this week to Zawtar al-Gharbiya, one of the pilot zones under the framework agreement.
Some residents have started checking their homes in Zawtar al-Gharbiya, where heavy damage was seen.
Resident Ihsan Yaghi described damage to her home and said residents support the Lebanese army and want safety.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun told US President Donald Trump at the White House this week that a full Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory was urgently needed.
Source note: AFP news report published on 26 July 2026 at 11:50:39 UTC.
Update
Lebanon's army said the Israeli activities were preventing its full deployment under a framework deal reached with Israel last month.
The army statement alleged systematic destruction and bulldozing of homes, bombardment and automatic-weapons sweeps in several southern areas.
The army said the activities violated current understandings and international law.
The army said the attacks prevented residents from returning to their villages and towns.
Source note: AFP news report published on 26 July 2026 at 10:52:23 UTC.
Uncertainty notes
The extent of Hezbollah weapons or infrastructure in Zawtar al-Gharbiya and other areas is not independently established in the supplied material.
The timing and scope of any further Israeli withdrawals from south Lebanon remain unclear.
The army's legal authority to inspect private properties is described by Fadi Daoud as lacking clarity.
Source
AFP news report published on .