Israel withdraws most troops from Lebanon by deadline

The Israeli army has withdrawn from most of southern Lebanon under a ceasefire deal in its conflict with Hezbollah.

The Lebanese army announced on February 18 that it had deployed forces to southern areas of the country after Israeli forces left, according to AFP.

Israeli Merkava tanks at the border with Lebanon on February 17.

Under a ceasefire agreement reached late last year, Israel was supposed to withdraw its troops from southern Lebanon within 60 days, but the deadline has been extended to February 18.

Also under the agreement brokered by the US and France, the Lebanese army and UN peacekeeping forces will be deployed in those areas. Hezbollah forces will withdraw north of the Litani River, about 30 km from the border, and dismantle remaining military facilities in the area.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed on the same day that troops had withdrawn, except for five strategic locations considered a buffer zone. Israeli forces in that area "will continue to act firmly and uncompromisingly against any violations by Hezbollah," Katz warned.

A Lebanese military convoy enters the southern village of Houla on February 17.

Minister Katz said the presence of forces inside Lebanon was in line with the decision of the political leadership to ensure the safety of northern Israeli communities and prevent threats from Lebanon. Mr Katz said the Israeli army had also increased its forces in the northern part of the country and demanded that Hezbollah abide by the ceasefire agreement.

The conflict between Hezbollah and Israel broke out after Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023. Israel carried out a massive air campaign and deployed troops into Lebanon, killing a series of Hezbollah leaders. The ceasefire agreement took effect from November 27, 2024.

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The conflict has killed more than 4,000 people in Lebanon while Israel has lost 78 people, including soldiers. A further 56 Israeli soldiers were killed while deployed in southern Lebanon. Since the ceasefire, about 60 people have died, according to AFP.

Tens of thousands of people in both countries have been displaced. In Lebanon, the cost of reconstruction is estimated at more than $10 billion.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/israel-rut-hau-het-quan-khoi-li-bang-ngay-han-chot-185250218160845413.htm