BEIRUT, July 26 (Xinhua) -- The Lebanese army said Sunday that continued Israeli attacks and violations of existing understandings are obstructing its deployment in southern Lebanon and delaying the return of residents to their border villages.
In a statement, the army cited systematic demolition of homes, shelling, and machine-gun fire in several areas, including the destruction of a water facility and the burning of centuries-old olive trees.
Israeli forces also opened fire near Lebanese army positions in Kfar Tebnit, Nabatieh al-Fawqa and Zawtar al-Gharbiyah, disrupting the army's operations, it said.
Despite the incidents, the army said it continues its mission in Zawtar al-Gharbiyah, facilitating the return of residents and ensuring their safety. It is also continuing deployment in Froun and Srifa in coordination with the Military Coordination Group for Lebanon.
Residents have entered Zawtar al-Gharbiyah to inspect their homes under the pilot-area implementation of the Lebanon-Israel framework agreement signed a month ago in Washington.
The agreement, which provides for Lebanese army deployment in two pilot areas in southern Lebanon, has been rejected by Hezbollah, which described it as "non-existent" and argued that its provisions constitute a concession of Lebanon's sovereignty. ■
