Lebanese army to take control of three villages under US-mediated deal

The Lebanese army is set to assume security control in three southern villages, Froun, Srifa, and Zawtar al-Gharbiya, marking a pilot phase for a framework agreement brokered by the United States. This move is part of a broader plan that includes the phased withdrawal of Israeli forces from occupied areas in southern Lebanon.

Under the terms of the agreement, the Lebanese army will not only take over security responsibilities in the evacuated areas but will also oversee the disarmament of the Hezbollah militant group. The US State Department has indicated that this pilot project is a direct outcome of negotiations held in Rome the previous week between Israeli and Lebanese representatives. Washington has pledged to continue close cooperation with both parties to ensure the full implementation of the framework agreement.

Israel has confirmed the commencement of this pilot project, with its military coordinating closely with the US and Lebanon to facilitate a smooth process. The framework agreement itself was finalized on June 26, following six rounds of face-to-face negotiations. However, tensions persist, with ongoing Israeli strikes in Lebanon and continued rocket attacks by Hezbollah into northern Israel. Hezbollah, backed by Iran, has rejected the agreement, demanding a complete and unconditional Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon.