Three Lebanese soldiers sustained injuries while attempting to defuse unexploded ordnance in the southern village of Zawtar al-Gharbiyah, the Lebanese army announced. The incident occurred hours after Israeli troops reportedly entered the village and erected an earth barrier overnight, according to the village mayor and Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency (NNA).

The mayor of Zawtar al-Gharbiyah, Abed Ezzeddine, told AFP news agency that residents were surprised by the appearance of the barrier, situated approximately 100 meters from the village square. This area had been placed under the control of the Lebanese army following a framework agreement with Israel signed in June.

A Lebanese military source described the reported Israeli incursion and barrier construction as a violation of the accord. However, the Israeli military informed AFP that they were not aware of any such event occurring in that specific area. The NNA reported that an Israeli occupation army force advanced into Zawtar al-Gharbiyah shortly after midnight and constructed the new earthen barrier near the town square, a detail an AFP correspondent confirmed by observing the barrier blocking a road at the eastern entrance.

The deployment of the Lebanese army to Zawtar al-Gharbiyah on July 21 has allowed about 50 families to return to the village, Mayor Ezzeddine stated. Prior to the Lebanese army's presence, Israeli troops had been situated on the village outskirts. Zawtar al-Gharbiyah is designated as one of two “pilot zones” where the Lebanese army is establishing control under a US-sponsored framework agreement, which envisions a phased Israeli withdrawal in exchange for the disarmament of Hezbollah.

This reported incursion follows a recent escalation in Israeli attacks across southern Lebanon. Al Jazeera’s correspondent in Tyre noted that Israel has increased the pace of its strikes in recent days, coinciding with ongoing negotiations between Beirut and Tel Aviv. Zawtar al-Gharbiyah has been a focus for clearing operations, with Lebanese army teams working to remove mines and rubble to facilitate the return of residents.

The nearby town of Mansouri also experienced Israeli artillery shelling on Saturday, remaining largely sealed off due to gunfire and intermittent shelling, preventing residents from returning. A bulldozer clearing roads in Mansouri was reportedly damaged by a bomb explosion the previous day. These actions are part of broader cross-border activities, including Israeli bulldozing in occupied Zawtar al-Sharqiyeh and drone strikes in Mayfadoun.

While the Lebanese army is working to secure areas like Zawtar al-Gharbiyah and clear them of unexploded ordnance, the reported Israeli actions raise questions about adherence to the framework agreement and the safety of demining operations. The situation highlights the fragile security environment in southern Lebanon.

Unresolved questions remain regarding the exact nature and extent of the Israeli troop presence and barrier construction, especially given the Israeli military’s stated lack of awareness. The effectiveness of the framework agreement in ensuring stability and facilitating troop withdrawals is also under scrutiny amidst these ongoing incidents.