IDF to keep troops at five strategic posts in southern Lebanon
Illustrative photo: The IDF will keep troops at five strategic posts in southern Lebanon (Getty Images)
The Israel Defense Forces confirm that they will withdraw units from southern Lebanon on Tuesday. However, they will maintain a presence in five strategic locations, The Times of Israel informs.
According to the media outlet, the deadline for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon expires on Tuesday. Despite this, the Israel Defense Forces will remain at five strategic positions.
The Times of Israel reports that these positions are equipped with military posts located far from populated areas and that the Israeli army will leave all other border towns on Tuesday.
It is also noted that in recent weeks, Israeli forces have set up several new checkpoints on their side of the border with Lebanon. These checkpoints are equipped with cameras, radars, sensors, and staffed personnel.
Meanwhile, the Israeli military command hopes that Lebanon’s armed forces will take more active measures against Hezbollah.
"Should the ceasefire continue to hold after the IDF withdrawal, tens of thousands of displaced residents of northern Israel will begin to return to their homes on March 2," The Times of Israel states.
Ceasefire between Israel and Hamas
A ceasefire between Israel and Hamas has been in effect since January. As part of the agreement, Israel has been releasing Palestinian prisoners, while Hamas militants have been freeing Israeli hostages.
The most recent exchange took place on February 15, when Hamas released three hostages. It is important to mention that Hamas had previously threatened to halt the release of hostages, claiming that Israel had violated the ceasefire. In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned of a resumption of intense military operations in the Gaza Strip.
