A US-backed plan to stabilize southern Lebanon has moved into a critical phase. The Lebanese army has begun deploying troops in three southern towns, designated as 'pilot zones,' to test its capacity to enforce security and prevent Hezbollah from operating there. Main Developments These initial deployments are part of a broader framework agreement with Israel, supported by the United States. The pilot zones serve as a proving ground for the army's ability to maintain control without direct confrontation with Hezbollah. Al Jazeera's Reem Takieddine reported that the move is designed to assess operational readiness and local cooperation. Success in these areas could determine whether the plan expands to other parts of the volatile border region. Read also: 5 Key Steps in Moldova's New PM's EU Membership Push Background Southern Lebanon has long been a flashpoint between Hezbollah, which maintains a strong presence there, and Israel, which views the group as a direct security threat. Previous UN-backed resolutions aimed at demilitarizing the area have struggled to achieve full implementation. The current US-backed framework represents a renewed diplomatic push to break the longstanding impasse. It leverages the Lebanese army as a neutral force capable of asserting state authority where international efforts have faltered. Why It Matters If the pilot zones succeed, they could reduce the risk of renewed cross-border hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel. Failure, however, would embolden hardliners on both sides and undermine US mediation credibility in the region. What's Next The Lebanese army will evaluate its performance in these three towns before deciding on further deployments. Diplomatic channels remain open for potential expansion, though no timeline has been announced for the next phase.