Few families return to southern Lebanese village as part of Israel ‘pilot zones’ deal

Now, their home in Zawtar al-Gharbieh — one of three zones where Israel agreed to turn over control to the Lebanese army — is among homes so damaged that they’re unlivable. In Zawtar al-Gharbieh, it’s unclear whether troops were on the ground. The Israeli military has destroyed 24 centuries-old villages and 15,000 to 20,000 houses in Lebanon, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz told a TV station Tuesday. During The Associated Press team’s visit Tuesday to Zawtar al-Gharbieh, three strong explosions occurred in occupied areas, and brown smoke billowed. But in Zawtar al-Gharbieh, mayor Ezzeldine said he wouldn’t call the pilot zone successful so far.