BEIRUT (AP) — Lebanon’s prime minister made a visit Wednesday to a heavily damaged village in the country’s south, as a Washington-brokered agreement between Lebanon and Israel appears to be gaining traction following months of brutal conflict.
Prime Minister Nawaf Salam’s trip to Zawtar Al Gharbieh came just one day after President Joseph Aoun held a significant meeting at the White House with U.S. President Donald Trump. During that meeting, Trump pledged to support the Lebanese government’s efforts to establish full state authority throughout the country.
Lebanon and Israel signed the agreement in late June. Under its terms, the Lebanese military is to move into southern areas of the country where Hezbollah previously held military influence, while Israeli forces — which have occupied dozens of villages — are required to pull back.
The two sides later agreed on a pilot zone consisting of several villages where the agreement would be tested. Israeli forces have carried out strikes and ground operations in those communities, though none are currently under Israeli occupation. However, the Lebanese army has also not deployed there in significant numbers.
The most recent conflict between Israel and the Hezbollah militant group began on March 2, after Hezbollah launched rockets toward Israel in a show of solidarity with Iran, the group’s primary supporter. Israel responded with an air campaign and ground invasion that killed more than 4,000 people and forced 1.2 million others from their homes.
Lebanon’s top political leaders have criticized Hezbollah for pulling the country into yet another war, while also speaking out against Israel’s extensive bombing campaign and ground operations.
Standing near a destroyed building in the village, Salam was joined by Lebanon’s defense minister and senior military officials. He planted a Lebanese flag at the site and pledged that the government would begin restoring damaged homes and infrastructure.
