Story perspectives

Lebanese Army Clears Zawtar as Israel Returns Pilot Zones

8/1/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Israeli army began handing back “pilot zones” under the June 26 agreement.
Mayor Abed Ezzedine said roughly 250 homes, about 80% of them, were destroyed in Zawtar al-Gharbieh.
The Lebanese army entered Zawtar al-Gharbieh on July 21, cleared ordnance and started security checks.
President Joseph Aoun warned UN chief Volker Türk that Israeli fire on Lebanese soldiers threatens the pact.
Lebanese and Israeli teams will meet in Rome on Aug. 4-5 to review pilot-zone progress.

History

Historical Context

In July 2006 Hezbollah’s raid on Israeli soldiers triggered a 34-day war with Israeli air, sea and ground strikes across Lebanon. The UN Security Council passed Resolution 1701 on 11 August 2006, ordering Israeli withdrawal, Hezbollah disarmament south of the Litani and deployment of Lebanese troops and UNIFIL. That framework now underpins today’s pilot-zone withdrawal talks between Israel and Lebanon.

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Story summary

The Israeli army began handing back “pilot zones” under the June 26 agreement.
Mayor Abed Ezzedine said roughly 250 homes, about 80% of them, were destroyed in Zawtar al-Gharbieh.
The Lebanese army entered Zawtar al-Gharbieh on July 21, cleared ordnance and started security checks.
President Joseph Aoun warned UN chief Volker Türk that Israeli fire on Lebanese soldiers threatens the pact.
Lebanese and Israeli teams will meet in Rome on Aug. 4-5 to review pilot-zone progress.

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