BEIRUT, July 21. /Dunyo IA/. Lebanese army troops have begun deploying in the southern town of Zawtar al-Gharbiyeh after Israeli forces withdrew from the area as part of a U.S.-brokered plan, reports Dunyo IA correspondent, citing Reuters.

Under the agreement, the Lebanese army is expected to take control of parts of southern Lebanon, including the confiscation of weapons from the Hezbollah group, while Israeli forces are set to withdraw in stages.

The transfer of control marks the first test of the peace plan. Lebanon hopes the agreement will allow it to restore state control over a strip of territory about 10 kilometres deep that had remained under Israeli military presence.

Dozens of villages in the area have been destroyed during the fighting, with damage reported to public infrastructure, including hospitals, power stations and water facilities. Tens of thousands of residents have so far been unable to return to their homes.

The Lebanese army said its units began deploying in Zawtar al-Gharbiyeh in the Nabatieh region. The military urged residents not to return until the security situation stabilises and called on them to follow instructions from deployed army units.

According to Lebanese military officials, engineering teams are inspecting the area for unexploded ordnance. They said additional time would be needed before the town could be declared safe for residents.

Zawtar al-Gharbiyeh Mayor Abed Ezzeddine said the destruction was extensive, with more than half of the town destroyed and many remaining homes severely damaged. He said the area was currently uninhabitable.

The mayor also expressed concerns over the safety of residents due to the presence of Israeli forces in neighbouring Zawtar al-Sharqiyah, which is only a few minutes’ walk from Zawtar al-Gharbiyeh.

The Israeli military previously confirmed the redeployment of its forces as part of the pilot programme, saying the initiative would test the Lebanese army’s ability to maintain control as the only official authority authorised to carry weapons in the area.

Israeli officials have expressed doubts over Lebanon’s ability to fully disarm Hezbollah, but view the agreement as an important step toward long-term security and a potential peace arrangement with Lebanon.

President of Lebanon Joseph Aoun is scheduled to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington on Tuesday.