Lebanon’s army has begun taking control of security in three southern villages under a US-backed framework aimed at Israeli withdrawal and Hezbollah disarmament. The move marks the first test of the agreement on the ground.
The United States said Lebanese forces started operations in pilot zones in Froun, Srifa, and Zawtar al-Gharbiya. US officials said the deployment followed talks between Israeli and Lebanese delegations in Rome.
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State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott called the move a direct result of recent negotiations. He said Washington would continue working with both sides to implement the framework successfully.
The agreement signed by Lebanon, Israel, and the United States on June 26 outlines a phased Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon. Under the plan, Lebanese forces will take full security control of areas left by Israeli troops.
Meanwhile, the pilot zones will test the approach in villages near the Litani River before expanding to other locations. However, the agreement does not include a specific timeline for Israel’s withdrawal.
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Hezbollah has rejected the framework, while Israeli officials said their forces would remain in a security zone along the border until Hezbollah disarms. Lebanon and Israel began negotiations after renewed fighting involving Hezbollah and Israel.
A Lebanese military source said troops have increased patrols near areas occupied by Israeli forces. The developments come ahead of Lebanese President Joseph Aoun’s planned meeting with US President Donald Trump in Washington.