Lebanese Army Deploys As Israel Withdraws Out of Lebanon
by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Correspondent
(Worthy News) – The Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) deployed to various villages in southern Lebanon overnight following the withdrawal of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) from the area. The IDF withdrew from most villages but kept positions in five key locations until about an hour before the ceasefire deadline with Hezbollah.
The Lebanese Armed Forces deployed troops to multiple locations near the Israeli border, including Aabbasiyyeh, Majidieh, and Bint Jbeil, in coordination with a US-led committee and UNIFIL, following the November 27 ceasefire with Israel, according to a military statement.
Israel fulfilled its February 18 ceasefire withdrawal deadline but continued to hold five strategic positions in southern Lebanon, as previously reported by Worthy News.
A spokesperson for the Lebanese presidency stated that Beirut views any continued Israeli presence as an occupation and reserves the right to use all necessary measures to ensure withdrawal, without specifically addressing the five posts.
Lebanese officials plan to seek assistance from the UN Security Council to “address Israeli violations and compel Israel to immediately withdraw.”
Earlier on Tuesday, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that the IDF would “forcefully” uphold the ceasefire terms in Lebanon and respond to any threats from Hezbollah.
“Starting today, the IDF will remain in a buffer zone in Lebanon in five strategic outposts and will continue to enforce [the deal] forcefully and without compromise against any violation by Hezbollah,” Katz stated.
“Hezbollah must withdraw fully beyond the Litani River line and the Lebanese army must enforce and disarm it under the supervision of the mechanism established under the leadership of the US,” Katz emphasized. “We are determined to provide full security to all northern communities.”
Last week, the US authorized the IDF to maintain its presence at five strategic points, with no specified duration for their stay.
On Monday, the IDF expressed readiness to stay at designated locations until Hezbollah withdraws past the Litani River and Israeli political leaders command a withdrawal. Troops will man the military posts built at these sites.
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