Lebanon says Israeli troops built earth barrier in Lebanese army-held village

Israeli forces reportedly constructed an earth barrier in the Lebanese army-controlled village of Zawtar al-Gharbiya, apparently overnight on Friday, according to Lebanese state media and the local mayor. The illegal intrusion occurred after midnight, with the barrier erected near the town square, as confirmed by an AFP correspondent.

Zawtar al-Gharbiya was designated as one of two pilot zones where the Lebanese army was to assume control under a June agreement brokered by the United States following Israel's invasion and occupation of southern Lebanon. The agreement stipulated that Lebanon would disarm Hezbollah while Israel would gradually withdraw its forces.

Recently, Lebanese military personnel returned to the village on July 21, and around 50 families have since resettled there. However, Israeli troops had been stationed on the village's outskirts prior to the army's deployment. Lebanon and Israel engaged in their seventh round of direct negotiations in Rome on Thursday, during which the Israelis refused to discuss further withdrawals until Beirut's military had full control over the pilot zones.

Hezbollah, which opposes the deal, has not agreed to abandon its weapons, and Israel continues to conduct periodic attacks on southern Lebanon despite the existing ceasefire since June.