Zawtar al-gharbiya: Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam visited the town of Zawtar al-Gharbiya in southern Lebanon, accompanied by Defense Minister Michel Mansour, Chief of Staff Major General Hassan Awdeh, and several senior civilian and military officials.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, Salam released a statement after the visit, declaring the commencement of the Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory. He emphasized that the developments in Zawtar al-Gharbiya mark a pivotal national moment with significant political and moral implications. Salam reiterated the government’s commitment to achieving a complete Israeli withdrawal, stating that the current developments represent only the beginning of this process. He assured that the government is steadfast in its resolve and will continue to mobilize political and diplomatic efforts to secure a full withdrawal.

Salam addressed the people of southern Lebanon, promising that the state is mobilizing resources to facilitate the return of residents to their villages. He highlighted that Lebanese army and security forces are deployed to ensure the safety of returnees while clearing roads, removing rubble, and providing essential services. Preparations to restore water, electricity, and telecommunications services are underway, along with efforts to provide ready-made housing to support the transitional phase before reconstruction.

The Lebanese Prime Minister insisted that the restoration of life in the South is a national goal, not merely a slogan, and emphasized the return of residents to their lands as a fundamental expression of Lebanon’s unity and sovereignty.

US President Donald Trump, during a meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun at the White House, confirmed that Israel is continuing its withdrawal by redeploying forces. Trump acknowledged the positive results of the agreement reached with Lebanon and expressed the United States’ commitment to addressing Lebanon’s challenges while praising the relations between Washington and Beirut. He noted the Israeli army’s redeployment and mentioned plans to examine issues related to the pilot phase of the safe zone project in Lebanon.