Lebanon’s army is expected to begin deploying within hours in two pilot cities in the country’s south—Zawtar and Farun—as the first phase of implementing new security arrangements between Israel and Lebanon. The pro-Saudi newspaper Al-Sharq Al-Awsat reported the move, citing a Lebanese government source.
1+According to the report, the deployment will take place under the direct supervision of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) chief Admiral Brad Cooper, who is expected to arrive in Lebanon today after visiting Israel. He’ll be accompanied by an American observer team tasked with escorting, coordinating, and facilitating the Lebanese army’s entry into the two cities.
The move is defined as an initial test of the security mechanism established under understandings reached through American mediation. If the deployment succeeds and meets set objectives, it could serve as a model for expanding the Lebanese army’s presence to additional areas in southern Lebanon as part of implementing the agreement.
1+Meanwhile, Washington continues to deepen its involvement in the process. In recent months, Admiral Cooper has emphasized U.S. support for the Lebanese army and called for strengthening its capabilities so it can establish state control in the south and continue operations to locate and dismantle Hezbollah terrorist infrastructure.