Israeli forces fired warning shots near Lebanese army positions on Tuesday as the two sides began implementing a U.S.-brokered plan to transfer control of territory in southern Lebanon back to Beirut. The exchange marked a tense moment amid efforts to de-escalate months of conflict in the region.

The incident occurred in the village of Zawtar al-Gharbiya, located in Lebanon’s southern Nabatieh district, several hours before Lebanese President Joseph Aoun met with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House. The leaders were expected to discuss Lebanon’s security situation and the process for securing Israeli withdrawal from areas it has occupied since recent hostilities.

Under the phased agreement, Israel has agreed to pull back from specific areas—designated as “pilot zones”—while the Lebanese military deploys to take over security responsibilities, enabling displaced residents to return. The Lebanese army announced it had begun its deployment to Zawtar al-Gharbiya but urged civilians not to return until the situation stabilizes. Mayor Abed Ezzedine said that while residents and ambulances attempted to access the village on Tuesday, Lebanese troops informed them they could not enter yet as the army worked to clear roads.

Later in the day, the Lebanese military accused Israeli forces of firing near their units, calling the shots an act of aggression that could undermine the deployment’s progress. Israel’s military acknowledged firing warning shots into the air to push back Lebanese forces that it said had entered an area outside the agreed-upon “pilot zone,” stressing that no Lebanese personnel were endangered.

The arrangement comes after months of rare diplomatic engagement between Israel and Lebanon, mediated by the United States, with talks held in Washington and Rome. The initial “pilot zones” include the villages of Froun, Srifa, and Zawtar al-Gharbiya, as outlined by the U.S. State Department.

However, the broader agreement faces significant challenges. Critics in Lebanon argue that it lacks a firm timetable for Israel’s full withdrawal and is contingent on the Lebanese government’s ability to disarm Hezbollah, the Iran-backed militant group that maintains significant autonomy and was not involved in the negotiations. Hezbollah has rejected the framework and the Lebanese government’s disarmament efforts, complicating prospects for lasting peace and stability.

Israeli officials have indicated that joint planning and coordination among Israeli, American, and Lebanese militaries are ongoing to implement the agreement, including the establishment of a military coordination group under U.S. oversight.

Since fighting reignited in early March following Hezbollah’s attacks in response to U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iranian targets, the conflict has caused thousands of casualties. Lebanese health officials estimate more than 4,300 killed and over 12,000 wounded, while Israeli figures report at least four civilian and over 30 military deaths.

Analysts have noted that while the initial withdrawal is limited, it may offer the Lebanese government an opportunity to enhance its authority in the south. David Wood, senior Lebanon analyst at the International Crisis Group, said the pilot zones could serve as a “proof of concept” for the Lebanese army’s capacity to assert control and potentially pave the way for further Israeli withdrawals.

During their White House meeting, President Trump expressed willingness to engage with Hezbollah if requested by President Aoun, emphasizing his openness to dialogue with various parties in pursuit of regional stability.