'Israel' remains in five positions in S. Lebanon, violating deadline
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A Lebanese security official confirmed "Israel" began withdrawing from southern border villages last night, while the Israeli occupation forces said it would stay at five "strategic" points, despite Lebanon's opposition.
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A Lebanese Army vehicle patrols a road that links to Houla village, where the Israeli forces are still deployed, in South Lebanon, on February 17, 2025. (AP)
The Israeli occupation army has withdrawn from all border villages in southern Lebanon, except for five locations where it stated it would maintain a presence. This withdrawal coincides with the expiration of the deadline for implementing the ceasefire between Lebanon and "Israel."
A security source, speaking anonymously to Agence France-Presse, confirmed, "The Israeli army has withdrawn from all border villages except for five specified locations. The Lebanese Army is gradually deploying, but progress is hindered by the presence of explosives in some areas and damage to the roads."
Additionally, Al Mayadeen's correspondent in Southern Lebanon reported on Tuesday morning that Israeli occupation tanks and vehicles had once again advanced into the town of Kfar Chouba.
#بالفيديو | قوات الاحتلال الإسرائيلي تنقل بالشاحنات مواد متفجرة باتجاه بلدة #كفرشوبا #جنوب_لبنان تمهيداً لتنفيذ تفجير في المنطقة.#الميادين_لبنان #لبنان pic.twitter.com/9287HY3Vsb
— الميادين لبنان (@mayadeenlebanon) February 18, 2025
Our correspondent reported that the occupation forces transported explosive materials by truck toward Kfar Chouba in preparation for imminent bombings in the area.
Al Mayadeen's correspondent 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, our correspondent noted that residents are gathering at the town's entrance, awaiting clearance from the Lebanese Army to enter after security measures are completed.
'Israel' maintains its forces in five locations despite Lebanese opposition
Israeli occupation forces will remain stationed at five "strategic points" inside Lebanese territory beyond Tuesday’s deadline for troop withdrawal, the Israeli military announced.
"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's no immediate threat," Israeli military spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Nadav Shoshani told journalists on Monday.
The announcement comes as tensions remain high along the border as despite international calls for de-escalation, the Israeli military stance signals an intention to maintain a foothold in Lebanese territory.
Lebanese officials have yet to issue a response to the Israeli decision, but Hezbollah has repeatedly vowed to resist any prolonged Israeli presence in Lebanon.
UN organizations condemn 'Israel'
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.
Last week, UN experts voiced their dismay in a statement over the ongoing "killing of civilians and the systematic destruction of homes, agricultural land, and other vital infrastructure in Southern Lebanon during the ceasefire period."
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.
It also pointed out that even if homes remain, residents cannot return due to the lack of water, electricity, communications, and healthcare infrastructure.
