Lebanese Army Discovers Hezbollah Weapons Cache in Pilot Zone for First Time

The Lebanese Army has located a Hezbollah weapons cache in one of the designated pilot areas, marking the first such discovery since the implementation of the pilot model under the ceasefire agreement. This development was reported on Monday evening by Kan News. The pilot program, which involves coordination between the United States, Lebanon, and Israel, aims to enforce Lebanese sovereignty by allowing the Lebanese Army to be the sole armed authority in three specific villages.

The discovery was communicated today through the coordination mechanism involving the US, Lebanon, and Israel, with diplomatic sources viewing it as proof of the mechanism's effectiveness. It is also seen as a potential step toward continued Lebanese Army involvement in disarming Hezbollah.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) began withdrawing from the pilot zones in Lebanon about a week ago. The three pilot villages serve as a "sovereignty test" for the Lebanese Army's ability to maintain control and prevent Hezbollah from violating the agreement. Should Hezbollah breach the terms, the IDF will respond through the coordination cell with American mediation.

The pilot program was inaugurated during Lebanese President Michel Aoun's recent visit to the White House. During their meeting, US President Donald Trump acknowledged the "Hezbollah problem" and expressed willingness to engage in dialogue with Hezbollah if President Aoun requested it. Trump also praised the Abraham Accords as a major success and expressed optimism about Lebanon's important role in the region.

Meanwhile, despite these diplomatic gestures, reports indicate that Syria is preparing to take action against Hezbollah within Lebanon, highlighting ongoing regional tensions.