Despite the extended deadline for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon, Israeli military operations and violations continue in the region.
In an interview with the Israeli daily Yedioth Ahronoth, an Israeli military official revealed that Israel plans to “eliminate numerous Hezbollah weapon sites in the eastern sector adjacent to Upper Galilee” within the next three weeks.
The official reiterated that the Israeli Army “will continue to destroy any infrastructure in Lebanon that it deems a threat” and stated that control over southern Lebanon would not be handed over to the Lebanese Army until it proves its ability to maintain authority in the area.
“The Israeli Army is responsible for protecting the residents of northern Israel, a task it will not entrust to the Lebanese Army or any foreign force,” he added.
However, as reported by the Maariv media outlet, the Israeli Army acknowledges that some troops initially planned to remain active in southern Lebanon are now mobilized to prevent many residents from returning to their villages.
On his side, the commander of the Israeli Northern Command, General Ori Gordin, stated Wednesday in an interview with Israel Hayom: "If Hezbollah attempts to resume fighting, it will be hit even harder, including its leaders." He went on to add, "The threat of an October 7 from the North has been removed in the near future, and we must ensure this for the years to come."
Escalating Tensions on the Ground
Tensions escalated further in south Lebanon on Wednesday morning as an Israeli military vehicle advanced along the Taybeh-Qantara road, firing into the air and causing widespread panic.
The Israeli army also injured several citizens and arrested two among the crowd who tried to enter the village of Maroun al-Ras.
In a separate incident, a massive explosion shook the town of Markaba, resulting in significant damage. Israeli airstrikes also targeted the village of Kfar Kila.
These actions contribute to an escalated climate of violence, with a sound bomb launched during a demonstration in Bani Hayyan, and another explosion heard near the municipality of the same locality.
Five people were injured after Israeli forces dropped flash grenades on a group of civilians gathered in the Shaqra-Majdal Selm-Hula triangle.
For the third consecutive day, the Israeli army continues its demolition of homes and infrastructure in Hula, Mays al-Jabal, and Markaba, and has cut down several trees between Kfar Kila and Bint Jbeil.
In Mays al-Jabal, houses have been destroyed and barricades erected near the Mufailha area. Israeli tanks are attempting to advance west of the town of Mays al-Jabal, while Lebanese Army armored vehicles confront them.
For the first time in several months, a UNIFIL helicopter is flying over the border villages.
Additionally, Israeli drones are flying over the capital and its suburbs on Wednesday morning.
Israeli tanks attempting to advance west of Mays el-Jabal managed to pass a United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) center with a Merkava tank.
On Tuesday evening, the Israeli Army conducted two raids on the city of Nabatiyeh, resulting in at least twenty injuries. According to the Lebanese news agency al-Markazia, the Israeli military radio confirmed targeting the town in an airstrike. An hour after the first strike, a second one was carried out, reportedly targeting a garage for Hezbollah vehicles and platforms, according to the al-Hadath channel.
According to a report from the Ministry of Health published on Wednesday, Tuesday's Israeli attacks left 36 injured, distributed as follows: 6 injured in Yaroun, 20 in Nabatiyeh el-Faouqa, and 10 in Zaoutar.
This map illustrates the distribution of key forces in #SouthLebanon, highlighting areas of Israeli presence, Hezb activity, and #LebaneseArmy deployments, as of January 29.https://t.co/hPoCTym4Ef
— This is Beirut (@ThisIsBeirut_) January 29, 2025
By @rayaneshamii_ and Abd Farchoukh pic.twitter.com/mYYMUhVeCY
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