With the expiration of the deadline for the Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon under the ceasefire agreement, Israeli forces withdrew on Monday from a large number of villages, where the Lebanese Army began to deploy.
However, the Israeli Army maintains a presence at five strategic points in southern Lebanon, namely Labbouneh, Jabal Blat, Jal al-Deir, the Markaba-Hula road and the Hamames hill. On its part, the Lebanese Army has already deployed in Abbasia, al-Majidiye and Kfar Kila in the eastern sector, as well as in Markaba, Hula, Mays al-Jabal, Blida, Mheibib, Maroun al-Ras and Yaroun in the central sector.
Israeli Reactions Following Withdrawal
After the pullout, Defense Minister Yisrael Katz reaffirmed that the Israeli army will continue its operations against Hezbollah “in full force.” He stressed that Israel “will not allow a return to the reality of October 7,” referring to the pre-Hamas attack period in 2023, when Hezbollah maintained a strong presence in southern Lebanon with its bases and weapons.
“If Lebanon adheres to the agreement, there is no need for us to remain in the five points,” Katz stated, while accusing Iran of making “tremendous efforts to bring Hezbollah back” through financial support and partial cooperation with Turkey.
Meanwhile, Israeli Channel 13, citing sources, reported that the Israeli army will intervene in areas where the Lebanese Army is not present and will respond to any violations. Similarly, Yediot Aharonot reported that Israeli forces will react "strongly" to any threats posed to their positions in the disputed areas.
Adding to the statements, Israeli army Arabic spokesperson Avichay Adraee declared that “Hezbollah has been defeated and suffered a significant setback.”
In a post on social media, he further noted that, under directives from Israel’s political leadership, the Israeli army is “gradually transferring” responsibility for southern Lebanon to the Lebanese Army’s monitoring mechanism, under U.S. supervision.
Comments