IDF says it fired warning shots at Lebanese troops who crossed pilot zone boundary

The IDF fired warning shots near Lebanese Army troops in Zawtar on Tuesday after Lebanese forces reportedly crossed 150 meters beyond the established boundary of a security zone during the "Safe Zone" pilot program. The IDF stated that the Lebanese troops entered an area not part of the pilot zone, breaching an agreement between Israel and Lebanon. Israeli forces fired into the air, causing no casualties, and the Lebanese forces retreated. The IDF warned, "Any deviation without prior coordination could endanger its forces." The pilot program, which began with cooperation from the US and Lebanese militaries, involves Lebanese Army troops entering designated areas in southern Lebanon to verify they are clear of Hezbollah operatives and weapons.