Lebanese army deploys 1,500 additional troops along southern border

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: News websites
17 Apr 2025 14:35

This brings the total number of soldiers deployed in the South to 6,000, while another 4,000 are in the process of being recruited, amid ongoing Israeli violations of the ceasefire.

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A Lebanese army convoy enters Houla village in South Lebanon, Monday, Feb. 17, 2025, to evacuate people and the body of a girl who got shot on Sunday by Israeli forces (AP)

Over the past few months, the Lebanese Army has expanded its deployment in the country’s south, in accordance with a US-brokered ceasefire agreement between Lebanon and "Israel", The Washington Post reported, citing interviews with the Lebanese prime minister, military officials, and diplomats.

An additional 1,500 troops have already been deployed to southern Lebanon, near the border with occupied Palestine, bringing the total number of soldiers to 6,000, while another 4,000 are in the process of being recruited, according to military officials.

In addition, the Lebanese military has resumed aerial reconnaissance missions, established checkpoints, and secured towns following the withdrawal of Israeli troops.

“The army is making serious progress. It’s expanding and consolidating its presence in the south,” Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam told The Washington Post.

Under the terms of the ceasefire, 10,000 Lebanese troops are to be gradually deployed to the south. A five-member committee, led by a US official, is overseeing the implementation of the agreement.

However, the ceasefire has remained fragile. Despite a mid-February deadline for "Israel" to pull back its forces, Israeli troops have maintained a presence at five strategic positions along the southern border and have continued to carry out airstrikes on Lebanese territory.

In recent weeks, pressure has grown for the Lebanese Army to disarm Hezbollah throughout the entire country, not just in the area south of the Litani River. During an early April visit, US Deputy Special Envoy to the Middle East Morgan Ortagus called on Lebanese officials to assert full state control across all territories.

Salam reiterated that Lebanon is working to ensure the state holds the exclusive right to bear arms “both north and south of the Litani.”

The Lebanese army, like much of the country, continues to struggle under the weight of a prolonged economic crisis, now entering its sixth year. The military relies heavily on foreign assistance to cover basic needs such as soldiers’ salaries, fuel, and food. Since 2006, it has received over $3 billion in aid from the US government.

Salam noted that his administration is currently discussing a salary increase for military personnel in next year’s budget.

The Lebanese government has approved a $1.3 million allocation to fund the recruitment of an additional 1,500 soldiers as part of its commitment to reinforcing military presence along the southern border.

This comes as the Israeli occupation continues to violate the ceasefire with Lebanon through ongoing attacks in the south, the Bekaa Valley, and Beirut’s Southern Suburb.