Lebanese army deploys in a region from where Israeli occupation forces withdrew, February 18, 2025. Photo: X/@LebarmyOfficial.
The Israeli army has maintained its occupation of at least five key locations in southern Lebanon after completing the withdrawal of most of its troops from the south early on 18 February.
The occupation army has completed its withdrawal from all border villages in south Lebanon, except for five locations where it had announced that it would maintain a presence, the Lebanese news network Al Mayadeen reported on Tuesday, February 18.
This withdrawal coincides with the expiration of the deadline for implementing the ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel.
A Lebanese security source, speaking anonymously to Agence France-Presse, confirmed that “the Israeli army has withdrawn from all border villages except for five specified locations.”
These five locations are Labbouneh, Mount Blat, Owayda Hill, Aaziyyeh, and Hammamis Hill.
Map showing the locations still occupied by Israel in southern Lebanon following the army’s declaration of a complete withdrawal. pic.twitter.com/0hVtqtQqQp
— The Cradle (@TheCradleMedia) February 18, 2025
“The Lebanese Army is gradually deploying, but progress is hindered by the presence of explosives in some areas and damage to the roads,” the source reportedly added.
However, Al Mayadeen’s correspondent in south Lebanon reported on Tuesday morning that Israeli occupation tanks and vehicles had once again advanced into the town of Kfar Chouba.
Israeli forces reportedly transported explosive materials by truck toward Kfar Chouba in preparation for imminent bombings in the area.
The Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) announced on Tuesday morning their deployment in several towns and villages from which Israeli forces withdrew, including Maroun al-Ras, Odaisseh, Markaba, Houla, Mays al-Jabal, Blida, Mahbib, Yaroun, and other areas south of the Litani River.
Al Mayadeen’s correspondent in Lebanon further reported that the Lebanese army has begun removing the dirt mounds at the northern entrance of Yaroun and reopening the road for residents to enter.
Meanwhile, in Houla, residents are reportedly gathering at the town’s entrance, awaiting clearance from the Lebanese Army to enter after security measures are completed.
The Israeli military, however, stated that its forces would remain stationed at five “strategic points” inside Lebanese territory beyond Tuesday’s deadline for troop withdrawal.
Israeli military spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Nadav Shoshani told the press, “Based on the current situation, we will leave small amounts of troops deployed temporarily in five strategic points along the border in Lebanon so we can continue to defend our residents and to make sure there is no immediate threat.”
Israeli Airstrike Kills Several in South Lebanon as ‘Ceasefire’ Nears End Date
This announcement has raised tensions along the border, despite international calls for de-escalation.
The Israeli military’s stance signals an intention to maintain a foothold in Lebanese territory, with Lebanese officials yet to respond to the decision.
The Lebanese resistance movement Hezbollah, on the other hand, has repeatedly vowed to resist any prolonged Israeli presence in Lebanon.
Since the ceasefire took effect, Israel has continued airstrikes and bombings on homes in border villages, killing over 60 people. Around 24 people were killed on January 26—the initial ceasefire deadline—while attempting to return to their towns.
🚨 The Israeli army continued its destruction today, setting fire to homes in several Lebanese towns in the final hours before the ceasefire deadline, extended until February 18. pic.twitter.com/IpH2izHqTT
— The Palestine Chronicle (@PalestineChron) February 18, 2025
Last week, UN experts voiced their dismay in a statement as “Israeli forces have remained in the area continuing to target civilians, demolish housing, and destroy crops and infrastructure, with tanks, bulldozers and heavy weaponry.”
Human Rights Watch warned on Monday that Israel’s intentional destruction of civilian homes and infrastructure, coupled with the use of explosive weapons in populated areas, has rendered it impossible for many residents to return to their villages and homes. It also highlighted that even if homes remain, residents cannot return due to the lack of water, electricity, communications, and healthcare infrastructure.
(Palestine Chronicle) with Orinoco Tribune content
