Lebanese troops wounded as Israeli forces build barrier in Zawtar al-Gharbiyah

Lebanese forces confirmed that three soldiers sustained injuries while working to neutralize unexploded ordnance in Zawtar al-Gharbiyah, a southern village placed under army control after a June agreement with Israel. The incident followed a report from the village mayor that Israeli troops entered the settlement shortly after midnight and constructed an earthen barrier about 100 metres from the central square, a step the Lebanese side says violates the framework accord.

Israeli officials said they were unaware of any such operation in the area. The village is one of two pilot zones where the Lebanese army is clearing mines and rubble to enable displaced families, roughly 50 of whom have returned, to resettle under a US-sponsored plan that links Israeli withdrawal to Hezbollah disarmament. Recent weeks have seen heightened Israeli artillery fire and drone strikes in nearby towns such as Mansouri and Mayfadoun, while both sides continue negotiations in Rome. Lebanon’s president highlighted “positive progress” on border and prisoner issues after the seventh round of US-mediated talks.