Displaced residents have started returning to villages in southern Lebanon this week as part of a “pilot zone” project initiated under a U.S.-brokered framework agreement between the governments of Lebanon and Israel.
The plan, which commenced Monday, facilitates a phased Israeli military withdrawal from designated areas. However, some returning residents and Lebanese security sources report that the initial villages in the plan, such as Froun and Ghandouriyeh, were not previously occupied by Israeli ground forces, raising questions about the nature of the withdrawal.
The project is the first step in a broader framework agreement signed by Lebanon and Israel last month in Washington. The agreement addresses the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, which escalated in March and has led to thousands of reported casualties. The first phase of the pilot zone initiative includes the village of Froun, while neighboring Ghandouriyeh is reportedly slated for the second phase.
While the agreement outlines a withdrawal, Lebanese security sources told Al Jazeera that Israeli ground troops had not entered these specific villages. The areas have, however, been subject to extensive Israeli fire from nearby positions, which caused significant damage and forced residents to flee.
Those returning are met with heavily damaged infrastructure. According to Mohammed Nader, the municipal council head of Ghandouriyeh, 250 of the village’s 260 homes have been fully or partially destroyed. Roads connecting the villages remain exposed to Israeli military positions in the Hujeir Valley.
Despite the conditions, families have begun the process of reclaiming their homes and businesses. Abu Ali Miqdad, a resident of Froun, was observed clearing rubble from a family-owned building. Sumaya Haidar, another resident, said she returned to her home despite the lack of electricity, water, and phone services.
The Lebanese Armed Forces have increased their presence in the area. Army patrols have been seen in Froun and Ghandouriyeh, and soldiers have established checkpoints to search vehicles and check identification. The Lebanese government has described the deployment as an extension of state authority. United Nations peacekeeping forces, known as UNIFIL, have also been conducting patrols in the region.
Local officials have expressed skepticism about the pilot zone plan. Nader, the Ghandouriyeh council head, questioned the premise of an Israeli withdrawal from a village he stated their forces never entered.
The implementation of the agreement coincides with diplomatic efforts. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun is scheduled to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington, D.C., where extending state authority is expected to be a primary topic of discussion.
