Lebanese Army Enters Israeli-Controlled Zone as President Meets Trump in Washington

Lebanese military forces entered the town of Zotar al-Gharbiya in southern Lebanon on Tuesday morning, crossing the "Blue Line" into the Israeli-controlled security zone as part of implementing a framework agreement brokered by the United States between Jerusalem and Beirut. Military vehicles and armored personnel carriers were documented entering the town alongside an engineering team, marking the start of transferring "pilot areas" from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to the Lebanese army. Lebanon's military officially called on local residents to avoid returning to their homes until the security situation stabilizes.

In addition to Zotar al-Gharbiya, the Lebanese army is set to deploy in two more villages, Farron and Sarifa, which are currently under Israeli observation and fire control but without stationed troops. Lebanese media linked to Hezbollah described the selected villages as a strategic operational zone that will serve as a base for expanding the agreement's implementation across southern Lebanon. Israel views the transfer as a coordinated and measured step under U.S. supervision, with the IDF maintaining defensive positions along the Blue Line.

Meanwhile, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun is meeting U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington, marking the first visit by a Lebanese president to the White House in nearly 20 years. Lebanese officials told Qatari newspaper Al-Araby Al-Jadeed that Aoun aims to pressure Israel to withdraw its forces from southern Lebanon and will present a plan to disarm Hezbollah, emphasizing Lebanon's intent to consolidate state control over weapons and security decisions. Aoun, a former Lebanese army commander, has been supported by the U.S. since before his election last year.

The framework agreement, announced by the U.S. State Department on Monday, seeks to gradually remove Israeli forces from southern Lebanon, dismantle Hezbollah's arsenal, and lay the groundwork for peaceful relations between the two countries. However, Hezbollah has rejected direct talks with Israel and the Lebanese government's efforts to disarm the group. The recent fighting in March, when Hezbollah fired rockets into Israel, resulted in thousands of Lebanese casualties from Israeli strikes, underscoring the fragile security situation.

Aoun has criticized Hezbollah for initiating the conflict and blamed Iran for Lebanon's destruction. Despite ongoing negotiations with Israel, he has declined U.S. President Trump's invitation to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Aoun's presidency has coincided with Lebanon's economic crisis and political instability, and his military background includes leading efforts against ISIS and managing the army during Lebanon's financial collapse.

The coming days will test the agreement's implementation, including whether local residents and Hezbollah militants return to the areas, how weapons transfers are monitored, and if the IDF will respond to any violations. The success of the pilot phase could determine the future of security and sovereignty in southern Lebanon.