Lebanese speaker and Amal leader since 1992
Lebanon has deployed its army to Zawtar al‑Gharbiya as part of a US‑brokered framework that ties phased Israeli withdrawals to Lebanese army control and verified removal of Hezbollah arms. Israel has continued strikes and presence near some villages, residents report damage, and the US is coordinating pilot‑zone implementation.
The United States has launched pilot zones in southern Lebanon under the Lebanon-Israel framework, facilitating a staged Israeli withdrawal and Lebanese deployment in villages including Zawtar al-Gharbiya. The withdrawal is expected to begin in coming hours, with the Lebanese army deploying and disarmament provisions overseen by the MTC4L, under US Central Command supervision. Hezbollah rejects the framework, warning it could entrench Israeli conditions.
Israeli forces have ordered the evacuation of Mansouri and carried out strikes that injured at least eight people, displacing families who are waiting on the towns outskirts to learn whether they can return. Residents and local officials say Israel has demolished homes and burned farmland, and negotiators in Rome have not secured a withdrawal from southern Lebanon.
Lebanon and Israel are engaged in direct talks mediated by the US, after Hezbollah-triggered conflict escalations. A framework signed in June calls for Hezbollah disarmament and a staged Israeli withdrawal from south Lebanon, with Greece and Athens’ arms deal cited as regional context. Lebanon seeks renewed UNIFIL support as violence persists.
UNIFIL’s mandate in southern Lebanon is due to expire at end-2026. Lebanon has pressed for a one-year extension; France, Italy and EU partners are weighing a successor arrangement as tensions linger along the Blue Line. The UN and Lebanon stress the need for continued monitoring, humanitarian support and stability as the drawdown proceeds.