Southern Lebanon's First Pilot Zone: The Army Is Back, Hezbollah Is Not

In Zawtar al-Gharbiya, southern Lebanon, residents like Abu Fadl Ezzeddine are returning to find their homes damaged and bearing the marks of Israeli occupation. Ezzeddine discovered Hebrew writing on an empty food carton blocking his doorway and described how Israeli soldiers had occupied the second floor of his house, leaving behind trash and food scraps.

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They moved furniture and ventilation fans from the other floors. They slept here, ate here, and left behind their trash and food scraps.

The town is now under the implementation of a "pilot zone" arrangement, which saw Israeli withdrawal last week. As residents assess the destruction and the absence of basic living conditions, the Lebanese Army is actively working to restore normalcy. Military bulldozers are clearing debris and reopening roads, while soldiers patrol the town, establishing a presence along the eastern edge. A clear demarcation exists, with Lebanese soldiers positioned meters away from Israeli troops and armored vehicles in the neighboring town of Zawtar al-Sharqiya, which remains occupied.

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You have to stop here.

Significantly, the Lebanese Army has entered Zawtar al-Gharbiya, but Hezbollah has not reappeared. Torn fragments of Hezbollah flags are visible amidst the rubble, but the only flags currently flying are Lebanese flags on military vehicles. The army's presence is a source of comfort and security for the locals, who recall a warm greeting from Lebanese Army Commander General Rodolphe Haykal. Haifa Shaqir recounted telling Haykal he was among his own people, to which he replied he was visiting "his country and his people" and promised "nothing but better days."

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I welcomed him and told him he was among his own people, and that we were honored by his presence and by the lions surrounding him. I told him we hoped security would prevail.

Beyond the emotional uplift, the army is providing practical assistance. Alongside debris clearing and home inspections, efforts are underway to restore basic services. The town's main eastern entrance remains under Israeli control, with one resident humorously comparing the dividing line to the "Berlin Wall" and a checkpoint to the "Zawtar Crossing."

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His visit lifted the spirits of people who were broken.