Lebanon says Israeli troops built earth barrier in Lebanese army-held village
Israeli troops reportedly entered a Lebanese village designated as a pilot zone for Lebanese army control and constructed an earthen barrier. This action is being cited by Lebanese officials as a violation of a US-sponsored framework agreement intended to facilitate a gradual Israeli withdrawal.
Why it matters
The incident highlights the fragility of the ceasefire and de-escalation efforts between Israel and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon.
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BEIRUT: Israeli troops infiltrated a Lebanese village placed under the control of Lebanon’s army as part of a June agreement and built an earthen barrier overnight Friday, Lebanese state media and the local mayor said.<br />
“An Israeli occupation army force advanced into the village of Zawtar Al-Gharbiya shortly after midnight... and erected a new earthen barrier near the town square,” Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency reported on Saturday.<br />
An AFP correspondent saw the barrier, built at the village’s eastern entrance. The local authorities said it was unclear if any Israeli forces remained in the area.<br />
Zawtar Al-Gharbiya was one of two designated “pilot zones” where the Lebanese army was to take over as part of a US-sponsored framework agreement signed with Israel in the wake of the latter’s invasion and occupation of southern Lebanon.<br />
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