Following the deployment of the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) in Zawtar al-Gharbiyah
| …also spelt Zawtar al-Gharbiya… |
The significance is clear: it is not only the residents who are returning, but also one of Hezbollah’s key operational mechanisms. Where there are Shiites, there is Hezbollah.
The videos show members of Hezbollah’s Islamic Health Organization operating in the village to recover the bodies of Hezbollah operatives while being accompanied by the Lebanese Army. The fact that the organization is openly and officially publicizing its activities indicates that it is not operating covertly, but rather openly, despite the presence of the Lebanese Army.
Zawtar al-Gharbiyah is one of the pilot areas agreed upon during the negotiations between Israel and Lebanon. These areas were intended to demonstrate that the Lebanese Army is capable of enforcing the understandings on the ground, preventing Hezbollah’s return, and acting against its infrastructure.
Despite its civilian appearance, Hezbollah’s Islamic Health Organization, which operates under the group’s Executive Council, is an integral part of Hezbollah’s military support network. In addition to providing medical services, it effectively serves as Hezbollah’s medical corps, supporting its forces during combat and participating in its operational activities. Throughout the war, the organization’s personnel and infrastructure served as platforms for activities unrelated to healthcare, including transporting operatives and weapons in ambulances, establishing command centres in clinics and hospitals, and more.
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Lebanese Armed Forces: 2026-07-21 US indicates Lebanese army deploying to ‘pilot zones,’ including one IDF will withdraw from
Lebanese Armed Forces: 2026-07-22 Trump ordered resumption of direct US-Leb flights as Syria foiled Hezbollah smuggling attempt and Israel called for UNESCO to prevent weaponizing ‘cultural heritage’
Lebanese Armed Forces: 2026-07-22 The IDF says it fired warning shots after Lebanese soldiers crossed into Israel's security zone in southern Lebanon
Lebanese Armed Forces: 2026-07-21 US indicates Lebanese army deploying to ‘pilot zones,’ including one IDF will withdraw from
Related:
Zawtar al-Gharbiya: 2026-07-22 The IDF says it fired warning shots after Lebanese soldiers crossed into Israel's security zone in southern Lebanon
Zawtar al-Gharbiya: 2026-07-21 US indicates Lebanese army deploying to ‘pilot zones,’ including one IDF will withdraw from
Zawtar al-Gharbiya: 2026-06-12 Weapons next to a baby crib: This is what Hezbollah’s human shield strategy looks like
Zawtar al-Gharbiya: 2026-07-22 The IDF says it fired warning shots after Lebanese soldiers crossed into Israel's security zone in southern Lebanon
Zawtar al-Gharbiya: 2026-07-21 US indicates Lebanese army deploying to ‘pilot zones,’ including one IDF will withdraw from
Zawtar al-Gharbiya: 2026-06-12 Weapons next to a baby crib: This is what Hezbollah’s human shield strategy looks like