Israeli forces have shelled an area in the southern city of Zoutar al-Gharbiya, where Lebanese soldiers are stationed, as part of the ongoing effort to establish a "pilot zone," according to a statement from the Lebanese Army command. The communique stated, "Forces of occupation opened fire near positions where Lebanese soldiers were stationed in accordance with the agreements reached." The attack threatens to undermine the objectives of the pilot zone initiative. Earlier in the day, a Lebanese Army mechanized convoy entered Zoutar al-Gharbiya, a town from which Israeli troops had previously withdrawn. The establishment of the first pilot zone was agreed upon on July 15, following the sixth round of Lebanese-Israeli talks held in Rome.