Israeli military units conducting ground operations in Lebanon's border regions have begun withdrawing from nine villages in the eastern sector of southern Lebanon, according to the news portal Janoubia. These are the last settlements on Lebanese territory that Israeli forces are set to leave by the morning of February 18, as stipulated by the bilateral ceasefire agreement.
However, the Israeli command has stated its intention to maintain control over key strategic positions on the hills of Jabal-Blat, Labouna, Al-Azziya, Al-Oweida, and Al-Hamamis, which provide oversight of the border region. Reports suggest that Israel wants to ensure that the Lebanese army can prevent Hezbollah units from reaching the southern border.
After midnight, mechanized columns of the Lebanese army entered the outskirts of the towns of Blida, Markaba, Meiss al-Jabal, Houla, and Adaisseh—areas from which Israeli troops are withdrawing. The Lebanese forces will later deploy in Kfar Kila, Marun al-Ras, Mhaibib, and Yaroun. These towns have suffered extensive damage, prompting Lebanon’s military command to warn residents against returning until demining operations are completed.
On February 17, the Lebanese cabinet approved a government program listing the liberation of occupied Lebanese lands as a top priority. Information Minister Paul Morkos stated that the government remains committed to implementing all provisions of UN Security Council Resolution 1701 and maintaining neutrality to prevent Lebanon from being drawn into regional conflicts. He emphasized that "the state intends to establish a system in which weapons are solely in the hands of the army and security forces."
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Photo: Georgia National Guard/Creative Commons 2.0
Based on materials from TASS