Israel has announced that its military will maintain a presence at five locations inside Lebanon beyond the withdrawal deadline of Tuesday (February 18).
According to The Jerusalem Post, Israel intends to retain five outposts in southern Lebanon, which will be staffed by several hundred soldiers indefinitely. Reports also suggest that the United States supports this move.
As per the ceasefire agreement brokered by the United States and France between Israel and Hezbollah, Israel was required to withdraw behind the Blue Line—the de facto border with Lebanon—while Hezbollah was to retreat north of the Litani River. The vacated territory was to be secured by the Lebanese military, which was tasked with enforcing the truce.
However, Israel’s continued presence in Lebanon has raised concerns about a potential resurgence of hostilities. Hezbollah has already hinted that it may resume fighting.
In November, the United States and France negotiated a ceasefire that called for the withdrawal of Israeli forces and Hezbollah fighters from southern Lebanon within 60 days. The deadline was later extended by three weeks in January, expiring on Tuesday.
“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,” said Lieutenant Colonel Nadav Shoshani, an Israeli military spokesman, on Monday, as reported by The New York Times.
Israel to have 5 outposts in Lebanon for an indefinite period
Israel plans to maintain five outposts inside Lebanon for an indefinite period, The Jerusalem Post has reported.
According to the newspaper, each outpost will be staffed by a company of approximately 100-150 soldiers.
The report states that these outposts will be positioned on the Lebanese side of the border at the following locations: Labbouneh, near Shlomi on the Israeli side; Ramyeh/Jabal Blat (Shtula); Blida, Bint Jbeil, and Maroun El Ras (Avivim); Wadi Saluki (Margaliot); and Al-Khiyam, Kfar Kila, Ayoun Valley, and Aamra (Metulla).
Suggesting that the United States supports the plan, the newspaper noted that while these outposts were not part of the agreement negotiated in November, “Israel convinced the US that the Lebanese Army is not effective enough –at present– to keep Hezbollah from entrenching in southern Lebanon and potentially trying to attack.”
In addition to maintaining these outposts, Israel also intends to triple its troop deployment on its side of the border compared to pre-war levels, the report added.
Citing sources, the newspaper stated that Israeli troops might remain in Lebanon for a period ranging from two to eight months, or potentially even longer if necessary.
Hezbollah threatens
In a statement published by The New York Times, Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem suggested that hostilities could reignite if Israeli forces remain inside Lebanon.
“Israel must withdraw completely on Feb. 18. This is the agreement. Everyone knows how an occupation is dealt with,” Qassem said.
Despite the ceasefire, tensions between Israel and Hezbollah have persisted, with both sides exchanging verbal attacks and Israel carrying out airstrikes in Lebanon. However, a return to full-scale war has not yet occurred. Whether the conflict will escalate remains uncertain.
