Lebanon to Deploy Army in Southern Pilot Zones Following Ceasefire Agreement

Lebanon will begin deploying its army in designated “pilot zones” in the country’s south as part of the first phase of a new ceasefire agreement reached with Israel in Washington.

Prime Minister Nawaf Salam announced the move following a cabinet meeting, describing it as the first practical step toward implementing the agreement and strengthening state control in southern Lebanon.

“The next step is practical and tangible: the deployment of the Lebanese army in pilot zones as a first phase,” Salam said in remarks delivered by Information Minister Paul Morcos.

The deployment comes one day after Israeli and Lebanese officials agreed to a ceasefire framework during talks in Washington aimed at reducing tensions along the border.

Army to Take Control of Designated Areas

Under the agreement, the pilot zones will be placed under the exclusive authority of the Lebanese Armed Forces.

A joint statement released after the negotiations said Lebanese troops would assume control of the selected areas “to the exclusion of all non-state actors.”

The arrangement is intended to strengthen the Lebanese state’s presence in the south and reduce the role of armed groups operating outside government control.

Officials view the pilot zones as a testing ground for wider security measures that could eventually be expanded to other parts of southern Lebanon.

Beirut Maintains Demand for Israeli Withdrawal

While welcoming the agreement, Salam stressed that the deployment does not alter Lebanon’s position regarding Israeli forces.

“This does not prejudice our right to a full withdrawal, but brings us closer to it,” he said.

Lebanese officials continue to insist that any long-term settlement must include a complete Israeli withdrawal from disputed areas.

The government believes the army’s presence in the pilot zones could help create conditions for further progress in future negotiations.

Hezbollah Rejects Agreement

The ceasefire framework has already faced resistance from Hezbollah.

The Iran-backed group rejected the agreement reached in Washington, raising questions about how smoothly the plan can be implemented on the ground.

Despite that opposition, Lebanese authorities appear determined to move forward with the first phase of the arrangement.

The deployment of the army is expected to be closely monitored by regional and international observers as officials assess whether the pilot-zone approach can help reduce tensions and improve security in southern Lebanon.

First Test for New Ceasefire

The success of the pilot zones is likely to play a major role in determining whether the broader ceasefire agreement can hold.

Supporters argue that expanding state authority and reducing the presence of armed groups could create a more stable environment along the border.

Challenges remain, however, particularly given Hezbollah’s rejection of the agreement and the complex security situation in the region.

For now, Lebanon is preparing to move from negotiations to implementation, with the deployment of its army representing the first visible step in the new ceasefire process.