Lebanese Troops Deploy in Israeli-Held Village Under New Cease-Fire Plan

Key Points:

• The Lebanese army has deployed in the southern village of Zawtar al-Gharbiya following Israeli forces' withdrawal, initiating a U.S.-brokered plan to return control of occupied areas to Lebanon after months of conflict.
• This deployment precedes a White House meeting between Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and U.S. President Donald Trump, where they are expected to discuss Lebanon's security and Israel’s withdrawal from Lebanese territory.
• The phased plan involves Israeli withdrawal from "pilot zones" in southern Lebanon, with the Lebanese military securing these areas to allow displaced residents to return, as part of a broader agreement between Lebanon and Israel.
• Critics in Lebanon argue the deal lacks a firm timetable for Israel’s withdrawal and links it to the disarmament of Hezbollah, an Iran-backed militant group not involved in negotiations and opposed to the framework agreement.
• Despite joint Israeli, American, and Lebanese military coordination efforts, Hezbollah's rejection of disarmament and the agreement adds uncertainty to Lebanon’s stability, following a conflict that has resulted in thousands of casualties on both sides.