Israeli Forces Remain
Israeli troops and military vehicles were seen operating in Zawtar al-Sharqiyeh in southern Lebanon on Friday, as Israel maintained a military presence in the area despite US-mediated talks aimed at securing a phased withdrawal and expanding Lebanese army control.
Military Activity Reported
Footage shows Israeli military vehicles moving through residential streets, with soldiers walking between homes and positioned on rooftops, as smoke rises among buildings.
According to Lebanon’s National News Agency (NNA), the Israeli military had conducted a massive bombing near the Al-Saha Mosque in the town, targeting the main road in Zawtar Al-Sharqiyeh with heavy and medium machine-gun fire.
Withdrawal Talks Continue
The Israeli military presence in Zawtar Al-Sharqiyeh continued after forces withdrew from adjacent Zawtar Al-Gharbiyeh on July 21, allowing the return of residents and the deployment of Lebanese military units.
It follows the seventh round of direct US-mediated talks between Israel and Lebanon, which wrapped up in Rome. Discussions focused primarily on an Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon, Lebanese army deployment and the status of Hezbollah’s arms.
Regional Tensions Remain
The talks are part of a framework agreement signed by both sides on June 26, outlining a phased plan for Lebanese army deployment in pilot zones alongside the disarmament of armed groups.
Lebanon demands a complete Israeli withdrawal and reasserting its sovereignty over the entire South. Israel refuses further military redeployment until assured that Hezbollah will not threaten the Israeli border towns.
For its part, Hezbollah refused to be part of the negotiations that originated from US and Israeli pressure on the Lebanese government.
Article by Viory
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