Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam stated on July 22 that Lebanon is pursuing a “complete Israeli withdrawal” from areas currently occupied by Israeli forces. He made the remarks during a visit to Zawtar Al Gharbiyah, a village where the Lebanese army recently began deploying as part of a broader effort to reassert government control over southern border regions.

Salam emphasized the ongoing political and diplomatic efforts to ensure Israel’s full withdrawal, highlighting the significance of the deployment in the so-called "pilot zones." These zones are central to a US-brokered agreement reached in June, under which the Lebanese military is tasked with disarming Hezbollah, an Iran-backed militia, and establishing government authority. The deal aims to eliminate the presence of non-state armed groups in specific areas as a precursor to further Israeli withdrawals.

The Lebanese army’s deployment to Zawtar Al Gharbiyah on July 21 marked a tangible step in this process. Israeli forces had previously maintained a presence near the village following months of conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, which escalated in March after Hezbollah launched attacks on Israeli territory in support of Iran. This incursion led to Israeli airstrikes and ground operations in southern Lebanon, resulting in significant destruction and casualties.

The Israeli military acknowledged firing warning shots during the Lebanese army’s advance but stated that these were aimed at preventing access to areas outside the agreed pilot zones. Conversely, the Lebanese military reported Israeli fire in the vicinity of their units, expressing concern that such actions could obstruct further deployment efforts.

The situation follows a meeting on July 21 between Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and US President Donald Trump at the White House. President Aoun reportedly underscored the urgent need for a full Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory during the discussions.

Since the signing of the framework agreement, violence in the region has diminished significantly. According to Lebanese authorities, Israeli strikes since March have resulted in over 4,300 fatalities and widespread damage, including the demolition of numerous buildings in southern Lebanon. The United Nations reports that over one million people were displaced by the conflict, with more than 700,000 having returned to their homes in recent weeks amid improved security conditions.

Prime Minister Salam also noted ongoing efforts to rehabilitate affected areas, including clearing rubble, reopening roads, and restoring essential services to enable displaced residents to return safely and with dignity. Despite these developments, Hezbollah has publicly rejected the agreement, refusing to relinquish its weapons, which remains a key challenge for the Lebanese government’s attempts to consolidate control over the south.