Both sides offer differing accounts as Safe Zone initiative begins
BEIRUT: Israeli and Lebanese military officials have given differing accounts of an incident in southern Lebanon after Israeli forces reportedly opened fire near Lebanese Army troops during the implementation of a new “Safe Zone” pilot programme on Tuesday.
According to a statement issued by the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), the Israeli military fired in the vicinity of Lebanese soldiers in Zawtar al-Gharbiya, located in the Nabatiya district. The LAF alleged that the incident was an attempt to obstruct the deployment of Lebanese troops into designated pilot areas.
However, an Israeli military source told Israeli public broadcaster KAN News that Israeli forces opened fire after Lebanese soldiers crossed what the source described as the established boundaries of the pilot zone.
Neither account has been independently verified.
Pilot programme launched with international coordination
The incident comes shortly after the launch of the “Safe Zone” pilot programme, which Israeli officials said is being implemented in coordination with the United States and the Lebanese Armed Forces.
According to earlier reports, the initiative allows Lebanese Army personnel to enter designated areas in southern Lebanon to verify that they have been cleared of Hezbollah fighters and weapons before assuming security responsibilities.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed on Monday that the pilot programme had officially begun.
Security cooperation continues
In a statement, the Israeli military said teams from the IDF, the US military and the Lebanese Armed Forces are coordinating operational plans to support the continued implementation of the agreement.
The programme is viewed as part of broader efforts to strengthen security arrangements in southern Lebanon and reduce the risk of renewed hostilities along the border.
Despite Tuesday’s reported incident, neither side announced any casualties or significant escalation.
Officials from Israel, Lebanon and the United States have not indicated whether the reported exchange will affect the continuation of the pilot programme, which remains in its initial implementation phase. Meanwhile, observers continue to monitor developments closely as the security initiative moves forward amid longstanding tensions in the border region.
