Israel says pilot safe zones begin in southern Lebanon

On July 20, the Israeli military announced the start of a pilot program for safe zones in southern Lebanon, in collaboration with U.S. and Lebanese forces. These zones are part of a U.S.-brokered framework agreement signed last month, which aims for Hezbollah's disarmament, the withdrawal of Israeli forces, and the deployment of Lebanese troops. The Lebanese army confirmed its units were coordinating with the Military Coordination Group for Lebanon to deploy in Zawtar al-Gharbiyeh after Israeli withdrawal, urging residents to follow troop instructions. A U.S. official stated this initiative represents progress, offering the Lebanese state an opportunity to reassert control in areas previously dominated by Hezbollah, and warned that any attempt by Hezbollah to disrupt the process would harm peace prospects.