Israel is beginning to pull its soldiers out of southern Lebanon as the deadline set in a fragile ceasefire agreement has expired. The Israeli military continued its withdrawal on Tuesday morning, the second day of the process.
Though most of the troops are set to withdraw according to the new ceasefire terms brokered with Hezbollah, Israel stated that it would maintain the level at five strategic locations. The authorities have threatened that they are still prepared to resume hostilities if necessary.
The Lebanese military, tasked with deploying everywhere across southern Lebanon as Israeli troops retreat, informed Tuesday that it now occupies about a dozen villages and border regions.
Israeli defense spokesman Nadav Shoshani testified to the existence of the five hilltop settlements and that they are to be kept in place to secure and patrol northern Israeli communities as observation. He went on to state that this “temporary measure” had been approved by the United Nations-dominated international monitoring group.
There have been indications from Lebanese President Joseph Aoun that Israel may not meet the total withdrawal deadline. He stated, “the Israeli enemy cannot be trusted.” An Aoun office spokesman reiterated again that any Israeli presence left would be an occupation and reaffirmed Lebanon’s right to employ all means for a full withdrawal. Lebanon is also ready to go to the United Nations Security Council to seek intervention for Israel’s adherence to the ceasefire deal.
This move was authorized by Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz, who declared in return that the five locations are held in readiness to shield against any breach of ceasefire by Hezbollah. He stated that additional new positions have been established on the Israeli border side and reinforcements further deployed, reaffirming, “We are determined to provide full security to every northern community.”
