Lebanese Army Moves Into Southern Village After Israeli Troops Leave — First Step in US-Negotiated Deal

On July 21, 2026, Lebanese soldiers entered the village of Zawtar al-Gharbiya after Israeli troops pulled out. This is the first test of a US-negotiated deal signed in June 2026: Israel leaves areas in stages while Lebanon's army fills in to keep Hezbollah, an armed group, from returning. Zawtar is one of three trial zones. PM Salam called it "just the beginning."