The deadline for the Israeli withdrawal from South Lebanon, under the ceasefire agreement, expired at dawn on Tuesday, after the Israeli army confirmed its intention to maintain its forces at five strategic points along the Lebanese border. However, at dawn on Tuesday, Israel proceeded with the withdrawal from several cities and villages it had occupied, including Yaroun, Maroun al-Ras, Blida, Mays al-Jabal, Hula, Markaba, Odaïsseh, Kfar Kila, and Wazzani.
Deployment of the Lebanese Army
The Lebanese army deployed to several towns in the south, enabling a gradual return of residents to their villages. By midnight, it had already positioned itself in many liberated areas, and military engineering teams began clearing the roads. Meanwhile, the UN peacekeepers conducted patrols and set up checkpoints in cooperation with the Lebanese forces.
In a statement released on Tuesday morning, the Lebanese army command announced the repositioning of its troops in the following towns: Abbasiya, al-Majidiye, and Kfar Kila in the eastern sector; Odaisseh, Markaba, Hula, Mays al-Jabal, Mhaybib, Maroun al-Ras, and part of Yaroun in the central sector.
The Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) also took control of several sites south of the Litani River, in coordination with the ceasefire monitoring committee and the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).
Specialized units, in this context, opened the roads and detonated unexploded ordnance. The army command urged the population to follow the instructions of the military units on the ground to facilitate the ongoing operations and ensure their safety.
Israel's Response to Violations
Israeli Channel 13 reported on Tuesday morning that the Israeli army would intervene in areas where Lebanese troops have not yet deployed in case of any violations. The newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth also stated that Israel would respond firmly to any attempt to threaten its forces at the five strategic points, which Israeli army spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Nadav Shoshani referred to as observation points. He added that this temporary measure had been approved by the monitoring committee, emphasizing that Israel was committed to gradually and safely withdrawing from these five points. An Israeli minister also reportedly warned that Israel would take coercive action against any violations, particularly from Hezbollah, as reported by AFP.
Situation on the Ground
On Tuesday, the Israeli army launched another incursion with tanks and vehicles into the Kfarchouba region. Additionally, live-fire military exercises were conducted in Qalamoun, simulating combat operations with the support of ground forces, air forces, and military helicopters. The purpose of these maneuvers was to improve combat readiness and ensure an effective response to any threats.
In Odaïsseh, a deployment of the Lebanese army was observed. In Hula, residents began to gather at the entrance of the town, awaiting the green light from the military authorities to enter. In Wazzani, residents streamed in on foot, while in Kfar Kila, altercations occurred between the Lebanese army and residents who refused to wait for authorization to return to their homes.
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