Lebanese army says Israeli attacks block deployment in southern pilot zones FAST-MOVING
A U.S.-brokered framework agreement signed in June 2026 set out a phased Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon and the transfer of security control to Lebanese forces in three "pilot zones" – Zawtar al‑Gharbiya, Froun and Srifa. The Lebanese army began deploying to these areas in late July, but Israeli shelling, bulldozing, machine‑gun sweeps and artillery fire continued across numerous southern villages, including Kfar Tebnit, Nabatieh al‑Fawqa and Zawtar al‑Gharbiya. The army reported that the attacks destroyed homes, razed olive trees, blew up a water‑project in Markaba and prevented displaced residents from returning.
Lebanese officials condemned the violations as breaches of the agreement and of international law, saying they obstruct the army’s full deployment and the restoration of stability. Residents who inspected their homes described extensive damage and expressed sadness. Israeli forces also opened fire near Lebanese positions, further hindering the army’s missions. The situation persists despite the cease‑fire and the broader U.S.–Iran memorandum aimed at de‑escalation.
Entities: Hezbollah · Israel Defense Forces · Lebanese Armed Forces · United States · Zawtar al‑Gharbiya
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [● 8 SOURCES] Israeli forces opened fire near Lebanese army positions in Kfar Tibnit, Nabatieh al‑Fawqa and Zawtar al‑Gharbiya. (multiple articles)
- [● 3 SOURCES] A U.S.-brokered framework agreement for phased Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon was signed in June 2026. (multiple articles)
- [● 9 SOURCES] The attacks prevented the full deployment of the Lebanese army in the pilot zones. (multiple articles)
- [● 3 SOURCES] The pilot zones for Lebanese army deployment are Zawtar al‑Gharbiya, Froun and Srifa. (multiple articles)
- [● 8 SOURCES] Civilian residents were prevented from returning to their villages due to the ongoing Israeli attacks. (multiple articles)
- [● 9 SOURCES] Israeli forces continued shelling, bulldozing, and machine‑gun sweeps in southern Lebanon, destroying homes and infrastructure. (multiple articles)