Israel’s ‘pilot zones’: Withdrawal on paper, continued occupation of south Lebanon

Israel’s “pilot zones” have been implemented in three southern Lebanese villages - Zawtar al-Gharbiyeh, Froun and Srifa - under a framework agreement between Israel, the United States and Lebanon. The zones are intended to facilitate a phased Israeli withdrawal, followed by a handover of sovereignty to the Lebanese Army and the removal of Hezbollah’s armed presence. However, the reality on the ground contradicts the stated objectives.

While Israeli forces claim to be withdrawing, they have maintained a heavy presence in the villages, conducting daily demolitions, bombardments and other aggressive actions. Public Works Studio’s research has documented numerous incidents of Israeli attacks in Zawtar al-Sharqiyeh, one of the pilot zones, including house demolitions, incursions, controlled explosions, arson and land levelling.

The presence of Lebanese armored vehicles within Zawtar al-Gharbiyeh, a pilot zone, suggests Israeli occupation rather than a genuine handover of power. The village’s structures have been reduced to rubble, and there are no signs of Lebanese sovereignty restoration. Even the main access to the village remains blocked by the continued Israeli presence, preventing any semblance of normal life for the residents.

Daniel Meier, a political science professor, argues that Israel is using the pilot zones as a means to continue its occupation and slow down the withdrawal from southern Lebanon, rather than to facilitate a genuine transfer of control to Lebanon. He describes the mechanism as a “trap” and a “trick” that allows Israel to evade its responsibilities while maintaining its oppressive occupation strategy.