IDF conducts strikes in southern Lebanon as LAF continues to operate in pilot zones - report
According to the LAF, Israel's actions consistently hinder its ability to operate in the pilot zones and work to return south Lebanese residents to their homes.
On Wednesday, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) carried out strikes in southern Lebanon, according to Lebanese reports cited by Israeli media. The IDF subsequently confirmed the strikes, targeting the municipality of Mansouri in Tyre, as reported by Army Radio. In response, the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) accused the IDF of continuing assaults and violations of existing agreements and international laws in Nabatieh, a city approximately 50 km northeast of Tyre.
The LAF provided no details about the strikes in Tyre. It further alleged that Israeli forces had targeted a municipal building, a public school, a healthcare center, a childcare facility, and multiple private residences in Nabatieh, obstructing the LAF's operations in designated pilot zones aimed at returning residents to their homes.
Defense Minister Israel Katz visited an IDF post in Lebanon on Wednesday, expressing assurance that "we are not withdrawing from this security zone." The IDF, along with Israel and the United States, initiated the security pilot program in southern Lebanon on July 20, 2026. Under this program, the IDF withdrew from and transferred security responsibilities to the Lebanese Army in the villages of Bir al-Sana, Sarifa, and Zawtar al-Gharbiyah.
The LAF is tasked with clearing these areas of Hezbollah operatives and weapons. However, Lebanese sources claim that the LAF is failing to adequately disarm Hezbollah in the pilot zone. Israeli officials, speaking to The Jerusalem Post on Tuesday, stated that although three weeks have passed since the pilot program's commencement, the Lebanese Army is "not doing enough" on the ground.
Furthermore, the Alma Research and Education Center recently reported that Hezbollah's civilian arm continues to operate in Zawtar al-Gharbiyeh throughout the pilot program. Despite ongoing diplomatic efforts between Israel and Lebanon, these challenges persist. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun confirmed that negotiations with Israel are progressing, yet reiterated Lebanon's stance against any continued Israeli presence on its territory.
Aoun stated that the framework agreement has helped reduce the scale of Israeli attacks on Lebanon, encouraging more Lebanese to return for the summer. However, he emphasized that securing a complete Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory and the return of Lebanese prisoners remain critical priorities in the negotiations.
Written by urgent.news from Jerusalem Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
Also reported by 1 other outlet
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