Lebanese army deploys to south as Israel retains five positions

The Lebanese army is deploying on the Lebanon-Israel border following the withdrawal of Israeli troops on the deadline that a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah expires, but Israel will maintain a military presence in the country. 

The Lebanese army announced that it had entered the towns of Blida, Yaroun, Maroun al-Ras, Mais al-Jabal, Houla, Markaba, Odeiseh, Kfarkela and Wazzani in the south.

Additionally, the UN’s peacekeeping mission in the country, UNIFIL, has been running patrols across the area and has erected posts next to Lebanese army positions, according to the National News Agency (NNA).

Residents have started returning to their homes following Israel’s withdrawal including Mais al-Jabal and Wazzani, according to L’Orient Le Jour. Two people were wounded by Israeli fire, however, in an incident northeast of Mais al-Jabal, the publication reported.

The Lebanese army’s deployment to the south comes on the deadline of the Israeli-requested extension to the ceasefire that saw the end to fighting between Israel and Hezbollah.

Although the Israeli army withdrew from most of Lebanon’s territory, it is incomplete as five outposts inside Lebanon along the border are still under the control of the Israeli army, a move which the US authorised. It is unknown how long Israel intends to occupy the outposts.

The five outposts include positions on Laboune Hill in Tyre district, Jabal Balat in Bint Jbeil district, Jal al-Deir in Bin Jbeil, a position along the Markaba-Houla road in Marjayoun district, and the Hamames Hill in Marjeyoun, according to L’Orient Le Jour.

On Tuesday Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz confirmed the decision, saying that his country would also “continue to enforce [the deal] forcefully and without compromise against any violation by Hezbollah”.

He reiterated that Hezbollah must withdraw from south of the Litani River and that it must be disarmed by the Lebanese army. “We are determined to provide full security to all northern communities,” he said.

Meanwhile, in a joint statement carried by the NNA Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun, Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam announced that they would appeal to the UN Security Council to secure the immediate withdrawal of Israeli forces from the five positions inside Lebanon, and that Beirut considered the presence an occupation.

The statement also saw a commitment to the implementation of the ceasefire agreed to on 27 November. This includes the disarming of Hezbollah, the deployment of 10,000 Lebanese army personnel into southern Lebanon, and bolstering the work of UNIFIL. 

Lastly, the government said it would engage with international monitors and the Red Cross to secure the release of Lebanese detainees held by Israel.