Israeli withdrawal from south Lebanon misses deadline amid ceasefire uncertainty
Israeli military tanks gather by the Israeli-Lebanon border. Pic: AP
A ceasefire deadline for Israeli troops to leave southern Lebanon expired Tuesday, just hours after Israel announced it would maintain a presence in five strategic locations.
While some Israeli forces began withdrawing Monday, reports indicate they are poised to remain in key areas.
“Israeli forces are beginning to withdraw from border villages, including Mais al-Jabal and Blida, as the Lebanese army advances,” a Lebanese security official said, speaking anonymously.
However, concerns remain over Israel’s continued presence in southeast Lebanon, despite the ceasefire agreement brokered by Washington and Paris.
Hezbollah strongholds in south and east Lebanon and southern Beirut have suffered heavy destruction from over a year of cross-border hostilities linked to the Gaza conflict.
Reconstruction estimates exceed $10 billion, and more than 100,000 people remain displaced. For many, returning home has been a long-awaited dream.
“I miss sitting in front of my house, near my roses, and having a morning cup of coffee,” said Fatima Shukeir, in her sixties, who plans to return to Mais al-Jabal. “I miss everything… I miss my neighbors. We were separated and I don’t know where they went.”
Lebanese authorities have urged displaced residents to delay their return until the Lebanese army fully deploys to ensure safety. On Monday, Lebanese forces moved into several villages, fulfilling their role under the ceasefire, which required Hezbollah to retreat north of the Litani River.
Despite Israel’s claim that its troop presence is temporary, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insisted Sunday, “Hezbollah must be disarmed.”
Meanwhile, Human Rights Watch has condemned Israel’s “deliberate demolition of civilian homes and infrastructure,” making return impossible for many.
Since hostilities erupted in October 2023, over 4,000 people have died in Lebanon, while Israel reports 78 casualties, including soldiers
Despite the truce, violence continues, with dozens killed as residents attempted to return to their homes.
