Sapir Lipkin reports that the Lebanese army began deploying in the village of Zoutar al-Gharbiya near Nabatieh, as part of the initial pilot phase of the IDF's withdrawal from southern Lebanon. The deployment follows the IDF's withdrawal from the area, as The Zioneer reported earlier Tuesday.
The Lebanese army's deployment in the village of Zoutar al-Gharbiya was confirmed Tuesday morning by journalist Sapir Lipkin, as forces continue to take up positions in the Nabatieh district. The move is part of the initial pilot phase of the IDF's phased withdrawal from southern Lebanon.
Monday evening (22:30 Jerusalem), The Zioneer reported a rapid sequence of developments: the IDF first confirmed the launch of the 'Safe Zone' pilot program in coordination with the US military and the Lebanese Armed Forces (v14). Troops then withdrew from the village and two other enclaves (v15). Lebanese military sources said preparations for deployment were complete (v16), and the Lebanese army began entering Zoutar al-Gharbiya (v17). Engineering teams were seen scanning streets for explosive remnants (v18, v19), and the army warned civilians to stay away (v20, v21). Satellite imagery published that evening showed significant structural damage in the village (v22). Finally, footage emerged of Lebanese military vehicles entering the village, corroborating the earlier announcements (v23). The reporting evolved from official statements to visual confirmation within a single evening.
The Nabatieh area has been a focal point of IDF ground operations since early June, as The Zioneer reported on June 12 and 13 (strikes on Nabatieh and surrounding villages) and on July 6 (IDF reconnaissance patrols in Kfar Tabnit). The pilot program is designed to test the transfer of security control to the Lebanese army in three villages.
No further details on the size of the deployment, any engagement with Hezbollah, or the timeline for additional pilot zones have been reported.
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