US support for Lebanese Army deployment

United States Ambassador Michel Issa has reaffirmed Washington’s support for the Lebanese Army amidst regional escalations. Issa noted that while the military lacks the capacity to confront Hezbollah’s missile capabilities directly, the institution remains vital for other essential missions. He confirmed that a conference to support the army is scheduled and continues to receive American backing.

Following these assurances, Ambassador Issa conducted a field visit to Zawtar al-Gharbiya in southern Lebanon to inspect an ‘experimental zone.’ This zone is part of a Washington-mediated framework agreement designed to facilitate a gradual Israeli withdrawal and allow the Lebanese Army to deploy and restore state authority.

While the Lebanese government maintains that security is under exclusive military control, reports from Israel suggest that Hezbollah-linked social and health organizations remain active in the area. The effectiveness of the experimental zone remains a point of scrutiny as the Lebanese Army attempts to establish stability and state presence.