The Lebanese army has cleared unexploded ordnance in the southern village of Zawtar al-Gharbiyeh, following an Israeli withdrawal from the area. The operation, carried out by military engineers, aimed to make the land safe for residents to return.
Why the clearance was needed
Israeli forces had occupied parts of southern Lebanon during recent hostilities. When they pulled back, they left behind munitions that failed to detonate. The Lebanese army’s ordnance disposal teams swept the village and its outskirts, removing shells and other dangerous remnants. No casualties were reported during the operation.
Zawtar al-Gharbiyeh lies near the border, an area that has seen repeated clashes over the years. The clearance is a step toward restoring normal life, but the broader security situation remains fragile.
Peace deal odds stay low
Meanwhile, prediction markets offer a sobering view of the conflict’s trajectory. One major platform currently puts the probability of a permanent peace agreement between Israel and Lebanon by July 31, 2026, at just 0.8%. That figure reflects deep skepticism among traders that a lasting deal will emerge anytime soon.
The low probability aligns with the reality on the ground. Despite occasional ceasefires and diplomatic efforts, the underlying disputes — including border demarcation, water rights, and the role of armed groups — remain unresolved. The ordnance clearance in one village is a tactical success, not a strategic breakthrough.
For now, the Lebanese army continues its work in the south, while the political track shows little sign of progress. The next scheduled round of indirect talks has not been confirmed.
