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Lebanon’s prime minister visits shattered border village as phased Israeli withdrawal begins

Lebanon’s prime minister visited a heavily damaged border village on Wednesday as a phased Israeli withdrawal under a Washington-brokered agreement began to take effect, marking a new chapter after months of fighting between Israel and Hezbollah fighters.

Nawaf Salam, the prime minister of Lebanon, traveled to Zawtar Al Gharbieh in the country’s south, where officials said the destruction from recent hostilities was evident. The visit underscored Lebanon’s involvement in and reaction to the ceasefire framework that aims to delineate security arrangements along the border and reduce incendiary clashes that have troubled the region.

The Israeli withdrawal is being implemented in stages, with authorities signaling steps designed to ease tensions and restore some sense of normalcy for residents who endured repeated bombardments and cross-border incidents. The agreement, described by U.S. mediators as a path to long-term stability, includes provisions for monitoring, de-escalation, and the potential for further discussions on security arrangements in the border area.

Witnesses in Zawtar Al Gharbieh reported continued damage to homes and infrastructure in parts of the village, which lies close to the volatile frontier. Local officials emphasized the urgency of reconstruction efforts and the importance of sustaining the security gains achieved through the recent diplomatic framework.

Lebanon’s government has said it views the deal as a crucial step toward restoring stability and protecting civilian life along the border. Officials cautioned that the situation on the ground remains fragile and stressed the need for international support to rebuild affected communities and ensure adherence to the agreed terms.

Analysts note that while the phased withdrawal and related measures may reduce immediate risks, the broader Lebanese-Israeli border remains a focal point of regional tensions. Observers said continued diplomatic engagement, monitoring, and rapid response mechanisms will be essential to sustain the progress anticipated by the agreement. The visit by the prime minister highlighted Lebanon’s ongoing engagement with the process and its commitment to addressing the consequences of the conflict for border towns.

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