Lebanese Premier Visits Pilot Zone as Army Deployment Advances

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam visited Zawtar al-Gharbieh on Wednesday, raised the Lebanese flag and described the move as a first step toward a full Israeli withdrawal. He was accompanied by senior government and military officials as the Lebanese Army expanded its deployment in the pilot zone. The U.S.-brokered framework links Israeli redeployment to Lebanese state control in areas where Hezbollah maintained military influence. Salam said his government would reopen roads, clear rubble, restore essential services and prepare temporary housing for displaced residents.