Lebanese Army Pilot-Zone Verification Expected to Begin Soon

Lebanese Armed Forces troops are expected to enter designated areas in southern Lebanon soon to verify that Hezbollah operatives and weapons have been removed, according to two people familiar with the plan. Israel and Lebanon agreed on two pilot zones during U.S.-mediated talks, intended to test whether the Lebanese state can exercise exclusive security control under American supervision. One earlier account said Lebanese troops already patrol part of the first proposed zone, while Hezbollah has not yet been cleared there. The plan links further implementation to Lebanese sovereignty, Hezbollah disarmament and an Israeli withdrawal from designated areas.