PM Netanyahu presented a detailed map at a press conference showing two pilot zones in southern Lebanon from which the IDF will withdraw: the Zoutar al-Sharqiya and Zoutar al-Gharbiya area north of the Litani, and the Ghandouriya area south of the Litani but beyond the Yellow Line. The IDF retains control of the entire ridge line dominating the first kilometers from the border, including Beaufort Castle, Kfar Tebnit, and the Ali al-Taher Ridge, according to reports by Moria Asraf and Doron Kadosh (N13/Army Radio).
PM Benjamin Netanyahu presented a map at a press conference Saturday night delineating two pilot zones for the Lebanese Armed Forces' deployment, as the IDF prepares to begin its withdrawal from southern Lebanon. According to Moria Asraf and Doron Kadosh (N13/Army Radio), one zone covers the area north of the Litani River — the villages of Zoutar al-Sharqiya and Zoutar al-Gharbiya, captured weeks ago by the Givati Brigade. The second zone lies south of the Litani but beyond the IDF's Yellow Line — the Ghandouriya area west of the Wadi Saluki. The most significant element: the IDF retains control of the entire ridgeline dominating the first kilometers from the border, including Beaufort Castle, Kfar Tebnit, and the Ali al-Taher Ridge. This maintains the IDF's forward defensive position along the entire anti-tank ditch line, as The Zioneer reported on June 18 when the IDF published its official security-zone map. Israel's security cabinet approved the framework agreement on Thursday, and the IDF is slated to begin withdrawing from the two pilot zones on Sunday morning, as reported Saturday evening. The Lebanese Armed Forces are expected to enter the zones, while Hezbollah remains armed, a point Netanyahu reportedly emphasized. What remains open: the timeline for the second phase of withdrawal, and whether the LAF can maintain control without confronting Hezbollah.
3 developments
- StrongNetanyahu: IDF controls nearly 70% of Gaza Strip; vows no withdrawal from Lebanon buffer zone
- DevelopingSenior Israeli official maps two Lebanese army deployment zones beyond Yellow Line
- StrongNetanyahu tells aides withdrawal from southern Lebanon is a 'red line' as US pressure mounts
- DevelopingIDF pushes into three new axes in southern Lebanon, sources report
Source and signal
- Internal intake