Lebanese Prime Minister Visits Zoutar al-Arabieh Following Israeli Withdrawal Under New Agreement

BEIRUT — Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati and the Defense Minister visited the village of Zoutar al-Arabieh on Tuesday, marking their first official presence in the area since Israeli forces withdrew earlier this month. The visit was conducted to plant a national flag as part of a pilot program established under a recent agreement between Lebanon and Israel.

The delegation arrived at the site shortly after dawn on July 22, 2026. Officials gathered near the village entrance where they formally raised the Lebanese flag, signaling the reassertion of state authority over the territory following the military withdrawal. The ceremony was brief but drew significant attention from local residents and security personnel who had monitored the area during the preceding period of conflict.

The visit fulfills a specific provision within the bilateral accord signed earlier in 2026. Under the terms of the agreement, Israel agreed to pull its forces back to pre-conflict lines, allowing Lebanese government officials to return to previously inaccessible zones for symbolic and administrative purposes. The pilot program aims to test mechanisms for stability and cooperation along the border region before broader implementation.

Prime Minister Mikati addressed a small crowd following the flag-raising ceremony, stating that the presence of the state in Zoutar al-Arabieh represents a critical step toward normalcy. He emphasized that the government remains committed to ensuring security and providing essential services to residents who had been displaced or restricted from returning during hostilities.

The Defense Minister accompanied Mikati throughout the tour, inspecting damaged infrastructure and discussing immediate reconstruction needs with local community leaders. Security forces were deployed around the perimeter of the village to maintain order as officials conducted their inspections. No incidents were reported during the visit.

Local residents expressed mixed reactions to the event. While many welcomed the return of government officials and the symbolic gesture, others voiced concerns regarding long-term safety guarantees and the pace of rebuilding efforts. Some families who had fled the area months ago remain hesitant to return permanently until more substantial security assurances are in place.

The agreement between Lebanon and Israel has drawn scrutiny from regional analysts, with questions remaining about enforcement mechanisms and future military movements along the border. The pilot program is scheduled to run for an initial period of three months, after which both nations will review its effectiveness before deciding on further steps.

As of Tuesday evening, no additional government delegations were announced for other villages in the region. Officials have indicated that similar visits may follow if security conditions remain stable and logistical arrangements are finalized. The status of displaced persons waiting to return home remains a developing aspect of the situation as local authorities assess housing availability and infrastructure readiness.

The visit concludes with ongoing discussions between Lebanese officials and international partners regarding funding for reconstruction projects in Zoutar al-Arabieh and neighboring communities affected by recent hostilities.