Southern Lebanese return with Hezbollah flags sparks fear in 'Israel'
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Israeli news outlet Walla said that Lebanese civilians are now encroaching upon the positions of Israeli forces in southern Lebanon.
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South Lebanese civilians stand near an Israeli military vehicle in Borj El Molouk on January 26, 2025. (AFP)
Israeli media reflected the state of confusion and fear within "Israel" as southern Lebanese residents returned to their border villages, carrying resistance flags, despite Israeli threats and the continued presence of Israeli invading units in several villages in violation of the agreement.
Uri Keisht, a correspondent for Israel News 24, expressed concern over the images coming from Lebanon, stating that they are causing anxiety among northern settlers. He noted that the scenes are fueling fears of "Hezbollah's resurgence", which he described as a direct challenge to Israeli security and a potential threat to Israeli forces.
Keisht added that the Lebanese attempted to breach dirt barriers and military checkpoints while chanting slogans in support of martyr Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, effectively confronting the Israeli forces stationed in the area.
Israeli Media: Lebanese returns test security limits
Yair Kraus, reporting for Yedioth Ahronoth, pointed out that after 15 months of war, these very images—the return of southern Lebanese residents to their border villages carrying Hezbollah flags—are the ones feared most in the North.
Israeli news outlet Walla underlined that Lebanese civilians are now encroaching upon the positions of Israeli forces in southern Lebanon, reaching what they described as "zero distance."
Southerners in Lebanon turned Israeli tanks and soldiers into a laughing stock.
— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) January 26, 2025
After the end of the deadline for the Israeli withdrawal from South #Lebanon, residents of the border towns and villages headed to their homes, defying Israeli threats.
Residents of #Yaroun were… pic.twitter.com/RyONIrrHHv
Hadashut Bazman, an Israeli website, stated that these images of returning Lebanese residents signify yet another instance where "Israel's" attempt to achieve a 'total victory' will be undermined as it withdraws from southern Lebanon
Military analyst Amos Harel of Haaretz warned of an escalating situation, citing criticisms from reserve forces regarding the Israeli army’s insistence on staying within Lebanese territory without clear necessity.
Israeli media outlets raised pointed questions about the broader implications of the return of southern Lebanese residents, asking, "In southern Lebanon, they are returning to their villages. But the real question remains: how will Israelis return to the North?"
In an absolute show of defiance, a Lebanese woman stands in front of Israeli occupation soldiers in South #Lebanon.
— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) January 26, 2025
Israeli bullets intended to intimidate did not faze the woman who reiterated that this land belongs to her and the Lebanese people. pic.twitter.com/fYtEh67KVQ
These developments unfolded as the 60-day deadline for the full Israeli withdrawal from all Lebanese territories, as stipulated in the ceasefire agreement, expired today, Sunday.
Circulating video documents the moment an Israeli drone dropped a grenade near unarmed civilians in South #Lebanon. pic.twitter.com/r3mZUF30MV
— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) January 26, 2025
Thousands of Southerners gathered at the entrances of their hometowns, preparing to enter after the 60-day deadline expired. The occupying Israeli units responded by firing machine gun bursts and shells at civilians walking toward the towns of Houla and Mays al-Jabal, resulting in one martyr and nine injuries among the residents of Kafr Kila and Aitaroun. According to the latest toll from the Lebanese Health Ministry, "Israel" has killed 15 civilians and injured at least 83 others.
A flashback
Despite the failure to adhere to the withdrawal and ongoing violations in southern villages, "Israel"—under US backing—confirmed through Prime Minister Netanyahu’s office that its forces would not fully withdraw from southern Lebanon after the expiration of the deadline.
Hezbollah responded late Thursday, declaring that "any violation of the 60-day deadline is a blatant breach of the agreement and an escalation of the assault on Lebanese sovereignty." The Resistance movement emphasized that the Israeli occupation had entered a new phase that should be confronted by the Lebanese state using all available methods guaranteed by international law to reclaim and liberate the land.
Read more: Israeli media: Lebanese and Palestinians return, defying IOF
