Lebanese Army Deploys in South Lebanon Following Israeli Withdrawal Ahead of Trump-Aoun Meeting

Following the Israeli military withdrawal from southern Lebanon, the Lebanese army has begun deploying forces in the region as part of a pilot initiative under the framework agreement between Israel and Lebanon. A Lebanese security official confirmed to Saudi Al-Arabiya on Tuesday that Lebanese forces started to spread out after the Israeli troops left. Social media footage showed Lebanese armored vehicles entering the town of Zotar al-Arabiya in the Nabatieh district. Lebanese newspaper Al-Modon reported that Lebanese army engineering teams are clearing explosives and leftover weapons from the area.

The U.S. State Department announced the implementation of pilot zones in the villages of Fraun, Sarifa, and Zotar al-Arabiya, marking a milestone following recent talks in Rome between Israel and Lebanon. The U.S. pledged to continue working with both sides to fully implement the agreement. Meanwhile, amid concerns over Hezbollah’s potential involvement in escalating U.S.-Iran tensions, a diplomatic source in Beirut warned that any Hezbollah action could broaden attacks to include all of Lebanon, targeting state institutions and infrastructure.

U.S. President Donald Trump is scheduled to meet Lebanese President Michel Aoun at the White House at 18:00 Israel time on Tuesday. Aoun is the first Lebanese president in nearly 20 years to visit the White House. A political source told Lebanese newspaper Nidaa al-Watan that Lebanon should seize this unique opportunity, reflecting Trump’s personal interest in Lebanese affairs and his respect for Aoun.

Hezbollah-affiliated Lebanese newspaper Al-Akhbar reported that American diplomats in Beirut expect Trump to demand a full Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon in exchange for Lebanon’s commitment to end Hezbollah’s military presence nationwide. The U.S. is also expected to urge cooperation between Aoun and Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to address Hezbollah’s role, with American involvement in the process. Lebanese sources indicated that the pilot zone aims to establish a new security reality with effective Lebanese army deployment, state control over war and peace decisions, and prevention of Hezbollah’s military rebuilding in the area.