Lebanese army says Israel obstructs security handover in southern 'pilot villages'

What happened

Al Jazeera Lebanon reports the Lebanese army accusing Israel of violating agreements by shelling 'pilot villages' in southern Lebanon, obstructing Lebanese troop deployments. The military said Israeli forces continue shelling and clearance operations that prevent full takeover of security in three designated villages: Zawtar al-Gharbiya, Froun, and Srifa, part of a phased withdrawal deal signed last month.

Outside Brief is treating this as a source-led account. Any disputed responsibility, casualty figure, battlefield claim or single-source assertion should be treated as unconfirmed/hearsay unless confirmed by another reliable source or a named official. Lebanese troops have begun deployment in these ‘pilot zones,’ but according to the Lebanese military statement, Israeli shelling persists in parts of western Zawtar, Tibnit, and Nabatieh al-Fawqa even as some displaced residents attempt to return. Additional locations across southern Lebanon reportedly face Israeli military actions, including shelling, bulldozing, and combing operations involving machine gunfire.

Al Jazeera correspondent Zeina Khodr reported from Zawtar al-Gharbiya that residents returning to damaged homes found rubble, with Israel’s army having withdrawn to the village edge but conditioning further moves on Hezbollah’s dismantling. Hezbollah itself rejects the US-driven withdrawal deal, demanding Israel’s full and unconditional exit from southern Lebanon.

Known from the source

• Lebanese army states Israeli forces are shelling 'pilot villages' in southern Lebanon.
• Lebanese troops have started deploying in three villages: Zawtar al-Gharbiya, Froun, and Srifa.
• US-backed agreement exists for phased Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon signed last month.
• Israel’s military activities include shelling, clearing operations, bulldozing, and machine gun usage in several locations in southern Lebanon.
• Displaced residents have begun returning to the villages but find significant destruction.

What remains unclear

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun met US President Donald Trump recently aiming to pressure Israel into adhering to the agreement. The overall situation remains volatile with continued clashes reportedly related to Hezbollah's rocket attacks and Israeli military responses since fighting resumed in March. Casualty figures cited in the broader conflict context have yet to be verified independently.

What remains unclear: Confirm whether the central claim is corroborated; until then treat it as unconfirmed/hearsay. Extent and specifics of Israeli military operations and locations detailed beyond Lebanese army claims. Verification of the casualty figures mentioned in the broader conflict context. Any official Israeli statements on the obstructions or military activities in the 'pilot villages'.

Evidence note

Outside Brief has kept this brief source-led and attributed. Claims should be read alongside the original source linked below.

Original source: Al Jazeera Lebanon. Open the source.