Lebanese Army Takes Over "Pilot Zone" After Israeli Pullout — 2 Towns Reclaimed
Lebanese troops have moved into a vacated "pilot zone" in southern Lebanon after Israeli forces withdrew, marking a key step in implementing a US-brokered ceasefire deal.
The Lebanese military confirmed its troops entered the designated area to restore state authority and security, following an agreement that called for the Israeli withdrawal [201517]. On Tuesday, soldiers entered the southern village of Zawtar al-Gharbiyeh after Israeli forces pulled out, according to a senior Lebanese security official [201279]. The deployment is part of a US-brokered plan aimed at restoring Lebanese government control along the border and preventing further hostilities [201517][201279].
The moves come as Hezbollah faces declining public support in Lebanon. Many Lebanese blame the group for dragging the country into regional conflicts, costing the nation economically and politically [201666]. The group’s influence is weakening as the population turns away from its agenda [201666].
Meanwhile, Egypt called for a comprehensive resolution of the Palestinian issue, urging the international community to step up efforts to establish an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem (Al Quds) as its capital. "The suffering of Palestinians in Gaza should not depend on political conditions," Egypt stated [196715].