Lebanese forces have begun entering the agreed-upon pilot zones that were previously used by the IDF as staging grounds against the Hezbollah terror group, allowing Israeli forces to withdraw from parts of southern Lebanon.
Ynet reports that the U.S.-backed pilot program will begin with three villages where Hezbollah infrastructure has already been dismantled. The goal—and the test—for the Lebanese army is to keep these areas free of terrorist activity and prevent Hezbollah from rebuilding or rearming. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun is meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington to present a proposal outlining how Lebanon plans to accomplish that.
Under the framework announced by the U.S. State Department, the Lebanese army is also expected to enter the villages of Froun and Srifa. Those villages lie outside the Yellow Line but remain under Israeli observation and fire control, without a permanent IDF ground presence.
The Lebanese army called on residents not to return to Zawtar al-Gharbiya until the security situation stabilized.
“Following the announcement regarding army operations in the southern areas, military units began deploying this morning in the town of Zawtar al-Gharbiya,” the army said.
“The army reiterates its call to citizens not to enter the village until the security situation has stabilized and to follow the instructions of military units.”
The Hezbollah-affiliated Lebanese newspaper Al-Akhbar reported that because the selected villages are located deep inside the area, they effectively form an operational sector that could serve as the basis for implementing the agreement elsewhere in southern Lebanon.
Israel views the move as an orderly transfer of responsibility coordinated with Washington. IDF forces are reorganizing in defensive positions along the Yellow Line.
Meanwhile, the IDF continues operations against Hamas in Gaza. Today, the military announced that two Hamas terrorists—including a commander who participated in the abduction of hostages on October 7, 2023—were killed in a strike on Saturday. The IDF also reported continued efforts by the terror group to rebuild its capabilities in Gaza.
At the same time, stories of hope and healing continue to emerge from northern Israel near the Lebanon border. Despite ongoing security threats, Israel and her people remain committed to rebuilding and strengthening their communities. The Fellowship and our supporters continue to pray for their safety, security, and lasting peace.