Israeli troops linger in Lebanon's West Zawtar despite pilot zone withdrawal

In July, Israeli soldiers exited West Zawtar as part of a US-sponsored pilot-zone plan that would see a gradual pull-back in exchange for Hezbollah disarmament. Two months later, Israeli troops still occupy the neighboring village, conducting patrols, flying surveillance drones and detonating structures with bulldozers. Local residents, including Mariam al-Yaghi, describe constant explosions, tank shells striking their homes and a lack of basic services such as water and electricity.

Mayor Abed Ezzedine says the pilot zone has failed to deliver promised improvements, and the Lebanese Council for the South has supplied prefabricated houses that remain largely unused. Israeli officials argue that clearing Hezbollah weapons is unfinished, while a US State Department spokesperson maintains the pilot zone is essential for regional security.