Israel accused of violating Lebanon pilot zones deal

Israeli forces reportedly entered the Lebanese village of Zawtar al-Gharbiya shortly after midnight on Friday, constructing an earthen barrier near the town square. The incident is being described by Lebanese state media and local officials as a violation of a US-sponsored framework agreement signed in June.

Zawtar al-Gharbiya was one of several designated "pilot zones" intended for control by the Lebanese army as part of a gradual Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon. Under the terms of the agreement, Lebanon is tasked with disarming Hezbollah, while Israel is expected to pull its forces back from the region.

A Lebanese military source confirmed the infiltration was a violation of the framework. While the Lebanese army had deployed to the village on July 21 and families have begun returning, the presence of the new barrier near the town's eastern entrance has raised concerns. Recent negotiations in Rome saw Israeli representatives reportedly refuse to discuss further withdrawals until the Lebanese military established full control over the pilot zones.