Ceasefire Fragile as Lebanon Rejects Israeli Troop Presence in Key Locations
Beirut/Tel Aviv: Israel has continued withdrawing its forces from southern Lebanon in line with a ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah, but it has announced that troops will remain in five strategic locations, raising tensions and uncertainty over the fragile deal.
The Israeli military confirmed on Tuesday that the withdrawal entered its second day, with most of its forces expected to meet the revised February 18 deadline. However, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz reaffirmed that troops would hold their positions at five hilltops along the border, warning of retaliation against any “violations” by Hezbollah.
Disputed Withdrawal and Security Justifications
Under the ceasefire deal brokered by the United States and France, Hezbollah was to pull back beyond the Litani River, about 30 kilometers (18.6 miles) from the border, while the Lebanese army and United Nations peacekeepers were to take control of the south. The Lebanese military reported on Tuesday morning that it had deployed across a dozen villages and border areas.
Israeli military spokesperson Nadav Shoshani defended the troop presence, calling it a “temporary measure” approved by the U.S.-led body overseeing the ceasefire. He claimed that maintaining these locations was necessary for Israel’s security and to protect northern Israeli communities.
However, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun expressed concerns that Israel would not fully withdraw, stating that “the Israeli enemy cannot be trusted.” Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem echoed this skepticism, warning on Sunday that “there can be no excuses” for any delay.
The ceasefire agreement was reached in November following months of intense hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah. The Iran-linked Lebanese group launched rocket attacks on northern Israel in response to Israel’s war in Gaza, which was met with heavy Israeli bombardments and a ground incursion.
According to Lebanon’s Ministry of Public Health, more than 4,000 people were killed in Israeli strikes across Lebanon. The Armed Conflict Location and Event Data (ACLED) project recorded at least 330 Israeli air raids and shellings between November 27 and January 10, along with the destruction of 260 properties.
The humanitarian impact has been severe, with an estimated 100,000 people internally displaced. Reconstruction costs could exceed $10 billion, according to Lebanese authorities.
Fragile Ceasefire and Future Risks
Despite the withdrawal process, sporadic Israeli airstrikes continue, which Israel claims are targeted operations against Hezbollah fighters. Hezbollah has denied violating the ceasefire.
Lebanon has rejected any further extension of Israel’s presence in the region and has called on international mediators to press for full compliance with the agreement. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has insisted that his country will take necessary measures to “enforce” the ceasefire, emphasizing that “Hezbollah must be disarmed.”
With tensions high and both sides holding firm, the ceasefire agreement remains fragile, and the risk of renewed hostilities looms over the region.
