Lebanon’s ‘pilot zones’ face test as Israeli strikes displace southern residents

Lebanon and Israel are discussing so-called pilot zones in southern Lebanon, where Israeli forces would withdraw and the Lebanese Army would take control, potentially allowing displaced residents to return. But as negotiations continue, Israeli strikes are forcing residents from villages beyond the 10-kilometre stretch along the border already occupied by Israeli forces. In Mansouri, residents were ordered to evacuate before Israeli strikes hit the area, while the Lebanese Army was also ordered to leave. In Zawtar al-Gharbiyeh, meanwhile, Lebanese forces are establishing control and residents are beginning to return. The contrasting situations highlight the gap between diplomatic plans for Israeli withdrawals and the reality on the ground. Lebanon sees the pilot zones as a way to restore sovereignty, but for displaced families, the key question is whether they can safely return and remain in their homes. Al Jazeera’s Ali Hashem reports from southern Lebanon. Subscribe to our channel: bit.ly
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