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Beirut, Lebanon – February 19, 2025 — Israeli forces have pulled out from towns and villages in southern Lebanon but remain stationed at five strategic locations along the border, sparking tensions as Lebanon accuses Israel of violating a ceasefire agreement.
Tuesday marked the deadline for the complete Israeli withdrawal, as stipulated in a truce brokered by the United States and France in November. The agreement ended 13 months of hostilities between Israel and the Lebanese militant and political group Hezbollah.
However, the Israeli military announced on Monday that its troops would remain on five hilltop positions until the Lebanese army fully implements its obligations under the deal, including the removal of Hezbollah forces from the region.
Lebanon has strongly condemned Israel’s continued military presence, warning that any Israeli presence on Lebanese territory constitutes an occupation.
“We consider the continued Israeli presence in any inch of Lebanese territory an occupation,” the Lebanese government stated, calling for an immediate and full withdrawal.
As Israeli troops vacated other areas in the south, Lebanese soldiers moved in early Tuesday, clearing roadblocks and conducting security sweeps for unexploded ordnance. Local residents, many of whom were displaced by the conflict, began returning to assess the damage to their homes and belongings.
In Kfar Kila, a town near the border, devastation was widespread. Buildings lay in ruins, and families sifted through the debris in search of personal items. “Our house is destroyed just like all the other houses,” said Safaa Jouma, a 25-year-old whose brother, a Hezbollah fighter, was killed in the war. “We couldn’t save anything. The house was levelled.”
Under the ceasefire terms, Israel was required to withdraw completely, while Lebanon’s army was tasked with ensuring that no armed groups, including Hezbollah, remained south of the Litani River—about 30 kilometers (20 miles) north of Israel.
However, Israel has argued that its continued presence on the five hilltops is necessary due to concerns over Hezbollah’s compliance with the agreement.
The withdrawal deadline had already been postponed from its original date of January 26. The five positions where Israeli troops remain are in mountainous terrain along the internationally recognized border between Lebanon and Israel.
Israeli officials have not provided a clear timeline for a full withdrawal but insist that the Lebanese military must first demonstrate full control over the area.
The situation remains fragile, with tensions high along the border. Hezbollah has not publicly commented on the Israeli presence but has historically vowed to resist any Israeli occupation. Meanwhile, Lebanese officials continue diplomatic efforts to press for a complete withdrawal.
As the ceasefire implementation faces new hurdles, the international community is closely watching developments, fearing that any misstep could lead to renewed hostilities in a region that has already endured over a year of conflict.