The IDF spokesperson confirmed Monday that the 'Safe Zone' pilot program has begun in southern Lebanon, following the political echelon's directive. Teams from the IDF, the U.S. military, and the Lebanese Armed Forces are coordinating on implementing the framework agreement. The military warned it would act forcefully against any violation of the accord.
The IDF spokesperson's confirmation Monday evening formalizes the launch of the 'Safe Zone' pilot program in southern Lebanon, following the political echelon's directive. The program involves coordination between the IDF, the U.S. military, and the Lebanese Armed Forces to implement the framework agreement. The IDF's statement warning of forceful action against any violations reflects the conditional nature of the arrangement, as the pilot is the first operational test of the Israel-Lebanon withdrawal agreement.
Earlier tonight, at 22:30 Jerusalem, the IDF had already announced the start of the pilot, detailing trilateral coordination teams, a US-led monitoring mechanism, and a redeployment plan to allow the Lebanese army to operate in designated zones. The military described the move as a 'sovereignty test' for the Lebanese Armed Forces in the three pilot villages, while emphasizing that Israel retains freedom of action to remove threats.
As The Zioneer reported earlier this evening (Mon 21:11 Jerusalem), a senior US official said the implementation of the first pilot zones marks a 'real step forward' and warned that Hezbollah disruption would harm reconstruction. The desk also reported on the lead-up to the pilot: on Friday, the Lebanese army deployed in the first designated area north of the security zone, with the US expected to announce the pilot's start (The Zioneer, Jul 17). On Wednesday, a senior US official said agreement had been reached on the pilot zone structure (The Zioneer, Jul 15).
What remains open is the exact timeline for the Lebanese army's full deployment in the pilot areas and the final operational details of the monitoring mechanism. The IDF has said the process is not yet final and will be assessed based on ground conditions and Hezbollah's compliance.
19 developments
- StrongLebanese army warns residents away from Zoutar al-Gharbiya after Israeli withdrawal, begins monitoring deployment
- DevelopingLebanese Army deploys in Debbin after IDF withdrawal, clears debris
- StrongLebanese army confirms it has begun deploying in southern pilot zones
- StrongLebanese Army withdraws from Kfar Tebnit as IDF ground offensive advances
Source and signal
- Internal intake