IDF Launches Pilot Program to Test Lebanese Army Sovereignty in Southern Villages

The U.S. State Department officially announced on Monday the start of an operational pilot zone in the southern Lebanese villages of Farran, Sarifa, and Zotar al-Gharbiya. Washington described the initiative as a "milestone" in implementing understandings reached between Israel and Lebanon, directly stemming from talks held last week in Rome between representatives of the two countries.

Simultaneously, an IDF spokesperson confirmed that, under political guidance, Israel has begun a pilot of a "safe zone" in southern Lebanon in cooperation with the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) and the Lebanese Army. This effort involves coordination among the IDF, U.S., and Lebanese forces to continue applying the agreement. As part of the pilot, the IDF will reposition its forces in one of the test areas to enable the Lebanese Army to fulfill its duties as the sole official armed security force in the region, while maintaining Israeli security, self-defense rights, and the ability to neutralize threats if necessary.

Israel views this pilot as a significant test of the Lebanese Army's ability to assert sovereignty over the three selected villages. However, the final decision on how to implement the arrangement has not yet been made. The pilot will be closely monitored by a U.S.-led oversight mechanism. In cases of violations by Hezbollah, Israel will respond through the joint coordination mechanism mediated by the U.S., with the IDF emphasizing it will continue to act against any emerging threats.

The primary goal of the initiative is to advance the disarmament of Hezbollah's illegal weapons in southern Lebanon, in line with the agreements between the parties. Despite this, Israel will maintain its security doctrine and continue holding the security zone as long as necessary to protect northern Israeli communities. The IDF stressed it will act decisively against any breach of the agreement, and operational freedom to counter threats to deployed forces and northern residents will be preserved throughout the pilot.