Residents of Zawtar al-Gharbiyeh are heading back to their homes after Israeli forces pulled out of the southern Lebanese village. The withdrawal, part of a broader pullback beyond the Litani River, is scheduled to be completed by December 31. So far, about 35% of the planned redeployment has been carried out.
What the return looks like
Families have been trickling in over the past days, many finding their houses damaged or looted. The village, which saw heavy fighting during the recent conflict, is now quiet but scarred. Some returnees are clearing debris, others are checking on crops and livestock left behind. Local authorities are working to restore basic services like water and electricity, but the process is slow.
Withdrawal timeline and progress
The Israeli military began moving troops south of the Litani River after a ceasefire agreement took effect. The deadline for full withdrawal is the end of the year. The 35% completion figure means roughly a third of the required forces have left the area. Observers say the pace depends on security conditions and the deployment of Lebanese army units to fill the vacuum.
Life after the troops leave
For now, Zawtar al-Gharbiyeh is a mix of relief and uncertainty. Residents are glad the soldiers are gone, but they worry about what comes next. The village's infrastructure took a beating, and rebuilding will take time. The Lebanese army has started patrolling some areas, but its presence is still thin. The December 31 deadline looms, and many here are watching closely to see if the withdrawal stays on track.
