IDF Troops to Stay Deployed in Southern Lebanon Following Ceasefire Deadline

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed on Monday that troops will remain in five strategic positions in southern Lebanon after the February 18 deadline for their withdrawal.

This move follows a ceasefire deal brokered by the United States in November, which granted Israeli forces 60 days to withdraw from southern Lebanon after conducting a ground offensive against Hezbollah militants.

While the ceasefire agreement stipulated that Hezbollah operatives vacate the zone and Lebanese troops deploy in the area, the deadline has already been extended from January 26 to February 18.

The US recently authorized the IDF to maintain its presence at five specific locations, but it remains unclear how long the troops will stay.

The IDF announced that it is prepared to remain stationed at these posts for a prolonged period, pending a full withdrawal of Hezbollah forces beyond the Litani River and an official order from Israeli political leaders to leave.

These military positions, which were built by the IDF, are spread across five hills in southern Lebanon, including areas near Labbouneh, Zar’it, Avivim, Malkia, and Metula.

The sites are located away from any urban areas, and the IDF is expected to complete its withdrawal from Lebanese border towns and villages by Tuesday.

In addition to the ongoing operations in southern Lebanon, the IDF has ramped up its defensive efforts along Israel’s northern border.

New posts have been set up in front of every Israeli border community, and there has been an expansion of surveillance capabilities, including additional cameras, radars, and sensors.

The number of troops on the border has also tripled compared to before the conflict began. As Lebanese residents begin returning to their homes in border villages, many of which were destroyed during the fighting, the IDF expects protests from Hezbollah supporters.

However, the military emphasized that there should be no direct confrontations, as troops will not be stationed in any of the towns. The IDF’s priority will be to prevent any suspected Hezbollah members from approaching the Israeli border and the five newly established posts.

Over the past several days, the IDF has conducted extensive operations to eliminate remaining threats in southern Lebanon, including the destruction of Hezbollah tunnels and weapon caches.

Troops have also cleared Hezbollah infrastructure along the Israeli border, with thorough inspections carried out in homes, valleys, and forests in the area.

Despite the ceasefire, the IDF has reiterated its commitment to striking Hezbollah threats as they arise and reporting ceasefire violations to the US-led committee overseeing the ceasefire.

The committee includes representatives from the US, France, Lebanon, and the UN peacekeeping force, UNIFIL. The IDF has expressed concerns over the Lebanese Armed Forces’ slower-than-expected action against Hezbollah, although recent improvements in the Lebanese army’s efforts have been acknowledged.

Should the Lebanese military fail to act against Hezbollah, the IDF has vowed to take necessary actions while coordinating with the ceasefire monitoring mechanism led by the United States.

As the situation remains delicate, the IDF’s continued presence in southern Lebanon underscores the complexities of the ceasefire agreement and the ongoing tensions between Israel and Hezbollah.

The situation remains fluid, with the potential for further developments depending on the actions of both Hezbollah and the Lebanese government.