Lebanese Army Reports Israeli Fire Near Troops, Warns of Pilot Zone Delays

The Lebanese Army announced on Tuesday that Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) fired near its units during their deployment in Zotar al-Arabiya, a town in the Nabatieh district of southern Lebanon. The Lebanese military warned that such Israeli actions could delay the implementation of pilot deployment measures agreed upon in the framework agreement between Israel and Lebanon. This development coincides with the Lebanese Army's recent deployment in southern Lebanon following the Israeli withdrawal from the area.

Earlier on Tuesday, a Lebanese security source told Saudi channel Al-Arabiya that Lebanese forces began deploying after Israeli troops left. Social media footage from Lebanon showed Lebanese armored vehicles entering Zotar al-Arabiya, while the Lebanese newspaper Al-Modon reported that Lebanese engineering teams were clearing the town of explosives and remnants of Israeli military equipment.

The pilot zones, including the villages of Fraun, Sarifa, and Zotar al-Arabiya, started implementation following a U.S. State Department announcement on Monday. This milestone follows discussions held last week in Rome between Israel and Lebanon, with the United States pledging continued support for full agreement implementation through the military coordination group for Lebanon.

Amid concerns over Hezbollah's potential involvement in escalating tensions between the U.S. and Iran, the Lebanese newspaper Nidaa Al-Watan cited a diplomatic source in Beirut stating that clear and direct messages have been sent to Lebanese officials warning against Hezbollah opening a front in Lebanon. The source warned that any Hezbollah involvement could lead to expanded attacks targeting Lebanon’s state institutions and infrastructure, particularly in southern suburbs, Baalbek, Hermel, and other southern regions, causing destruction and displacement.

Additionally, U.S. President Donald Trump is scheduled to meet Lebanese President Michel Aoun at the White House on Tuesday at 18:00 Israel time. Aoun is the first Lebanese president in nearly two decades to visit the White House, underscoring the significance of the ongoing diplomatic efforts.