Israel’s military has withdrawn from several southern Lebanese villages but remains stationed at five strategic border positions, as a ceasefire deadline expired on Tuesday.
The withdrawal follows a ceasefire agreement between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah, in effect since November 27, after more than a year of hostilities, including two months of intense ground operations.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed the deployment, vowing to respond to any “violation” by Hezbollah. “We will continue to defend our residents and ensure there’s no immediate threat,” the Israeli military stated late Monday.
A Lebanese security source told AFP that Israeli forces had vacated all border villages except for the five contested positions. In response, Lebanon’s army announced it had deployed troops to the reclaimed villages, ensuring the safe return of displaced residents.
Displaced Residents Await Return
The cross-border conflict, triggered by Hezbollah’s support for Hamas in Gaza, caused widespread destruction across Hezbollah strongholds in southern and eastern Lebanon, as well as parts of Beirut.
More than 100,000 people remain displaced, with reconstruction costs estimated to exceed $10 billion, according to the United Nations.
“I miss sitting in front of my house, near my roses, having a morning cup of coffee,” said Fatima Shukeir, a displaced resident in her 60s from the village of Mais al-Jabal. “I miss everything. I miss my neighbors. We were separated, and I don’t know where they went.”
Local authorities have advised residents to wait until Lebanese troops fully secure the villages to ensure their safety.
Ceasefire Tensions Linger
The ceasefire, brokered by the United States and France, requires Hezbollah to pull back north of the Litani River—30 kilometers from the border—and dismantle military infrastructure in the area.
While Israel has justified its continued presence to maintain security, Lebanese officials have rejected any further delays and called on international mediators to pressure Israel to comply fully with the deal.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated the country’s stance on enforcing the ceasefire. “Hezbollah must be disarmed,” he said Sunday, underscoring the fragile nature of the truce amid ongoing tensions.
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