Lebanese Army Expands Deployment as Israeli Forces Continue Presence in Southern Lebanon
The Lebanese army extends its presence in southern Lebanon as Israeli forces remain in key areas despite an extended deadline for withdrawal under the ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah.
The Lebanese army has intensified its deployment in southern Lebanon, with forces stationed across the eastern sector’s villages, from the coastal city of Naqoura to Marwahin.
This follows the continued presence of Israeli forces at strategic locations such as Labbouneh Heights and Jabal Blat.
Israel and Lebanon, with US approval, have agreed to extend the deadline for the Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon until February 18, 2025, in line with the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah, which went into effect on November 27, 2024.
In the wake of Israeli forces' withdrawal, the Lebanese army has moved into central sector villages, including Yaroun’s old town, where it has reopened roads and conducted necessary reconstruction work.
The Lebanese Red Cross has also retrieved the bodies of Hezbollah fighters trapped under rubble since the conflict began between Israel and Hezbollah in October 2024.
However, tensions continue to hinder efforts for the return of civilians to their homes.
Israeli drone strikes, including one near Yaroun, dropped stun grenades on civilians attempting to return after the Lebanese army entered the area.
Protests have erupted in towns like Kfarkila, where residents blocked the Khardali highway due to delays in the Lebanese army's deployment.
In Aitaroun, residents remain unable to return home as Israeli forces have yet to clear the area.
Israeli army spokesperson Avichay Adraee reminded residents of the deadline extension for Israeli forces' redeployment, emphasizing that delays may occur to ensure Hezbollah does not reestablish its military presence.
In the meantime, Israeli forces have used lethal force against unarmed civilians attempting to return home.
The United Nations has reported at least 26 fatalities and over 160 injuries, including women and children, from such actions.
The UN has condemned Israel’s use of lethal force, describing it as a violation of international law, and called for civilians to be allowed to return to their villages in a safe and dignified manner.
Lebanon has recorded over 670 violations of the ceasefire agreement by Israel, resulting in deaths and injuries.
In response to diplomatic efforts led by Lebanon's caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati, six Lebanese civilians detained by Israeli forces have been released.
These individuals had been apprehended while attempting to return to their homes in Houla and Markaba.
The destruction caused by Israeli military actions, particularly during the ceasefire period, is evident in the footage captured by returning residents.
In the town of Al-Wazzani, Israeli forces conducted demolition operations near a mosque, and several buildings in the Al-Mufilha region, west of Mays Al-Jabal, were bulldozed.
This follows the continued presence of Israeli forces at strategic locations such as Labbouneh Heights and Jabal Blat.
Israel and Lebanon, with US approval, have agreed to extend the deadline for the Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon until February 18, 2025, in line with the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah, which went into effect on November 27, 2024.
In the wake of Israeli forces' withdrawal, the Lebanese army has moved into central sector villages, including Yaroun’s old town, where it has reopened roads and conducted necessary reconstruction work.
The Lebanese Red Cross has also retrieved the bodies of Hezbollah fighters trapped under rubble since the conflict began between Israel and Hezbollah in October 2024.
However, tensions continue to hinder efforts for the return of civilians to their homes.
Israeli drone strikes, including one near Yaroun, dropped stun grenades on civilians attempting to return after the Lebanese army entered the area.
Protests have erupted in towns like Kfarkila, where residents blocked the Khardali highway due to delays in the Lebanese army's deployment.
In Aitaroun, residents remain unable to return home as Israeli forces have yet to clear the area.
Israeli army spokesperson Avichay Adraee reminded residents of the deadline extension for Israeli forces' redeployment, emphasizing that delays may occur to ensure Hezbollah does not reestablish its military presence.
In the meantime, Israeli forces have used lethal force against unarmed civilians attempting to return home.
The United Nations has reported at least 26 fatalities and over 160 injuries, including women and children, from such actions.
The UN has condemned Israel’s use of lethal force, describing it as a violation of international law, and called for civilians to be allowed to return to their villages in a safe and dignified manner.
Lebanon has recorded over 670 violations of the ceasefire agreement by Israel, resulting in deaths and injuries.
In response to diplomatic efforts led by Lebanon's caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati, six Lebanese civilians detained by Israeli forces have been released.
These individuals had been apprehended while attempting to return to their homes in Houla and Markaba.
The destruction caused by Israeli military actions, particularly during the ceasefire period, is evident in the footage captured by returning residents.
In the town of Al-Wazzani, Israeli forces conducted demolition operations near a mosque, and several buildings in the Al-Mufilha region, west of Mays Al-Jabal, were bulldozed.
