The IDF reportedly opened fire in the vicinity of Lebanese Army troops in Zawtar al-Gharbiya, an area in the city of Nabatiya, during the implementation of the “Safe Zone” pilot program on Tuesday, according to a statement from the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF).
A source in the IDF told KAN News that they opened fire after Lebanese soldiers crossed the established borders of the pilot zone.
The LAF claimed that this was an attempt to obstruct the implementation of the pilot zones by stopping Lebanese soldiers from entering them.
The pilot program dictates that LAF troops will enter designated areas in southern Lebanon to verify they have been cleared of Hezbollah operatives and weapons, two people familiar with the matter told The Jerusalem Post on Monday.
Later on Monday, the IDF confirmed that the “Safe Zone” pilot program had begun with cooperation from the US and Lebanese militaries.
“As part of the pilot, teams from the IDF, the US military, and the Lebanese Armed Forces are coordinating and planning the continued implementation of the agreement,” the military stated.
Amichai Stein contributed to this report.