Israeli forces will stay in a specified buffer zone in southern Lebanon indefinitely, according to Defense Minister Israel Katz. This decision follows a ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah that mandated a withdrawal. Despite the established timeline, the Israeli military will occupy five control points for strategic security reasons, which has led to tensions with Lebanese authorities and UN officials.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced that Israeli forces will continue to maintain a “buffer zone” in southern Lebanon indefinitely. He clarified that troops will occupy five strategic sites there, even past the agreed-upon withdrawal deadline following a ceasefire with Hezbollah, the Iran-backed Shiite group. Katz emphasized that their presence is based on situational requirements, noting the U.S. has approved this action.
The withdrawal date from southern Lebanon was set for February 18, as per a truce established on November 27. This agreement concluded over a year of hostilities, characterized by extensive conflict in which ground troops were deployed. Despite the deadline, Katz affirmed that the military would remain positioned in five locations categorized as control points for security purposes.
Foreign Minister Gideon Saar also backed this decision, referring to these locations as “strategic high points essential for our security.” He indicated that Israel would stay at these sites “temporarily” until Lebanon fully adheres to the terms of the agreement regarding troop deployment.
Lebanese officials, including President Joseph Aoun, have labeled any Israeli military presence in Lebanon as an “occupation.” The ceasefire terms established by mediators from Washington and Paris mandated that Lebanon’s military, supported by UN peacekeepers, would deploy as Israeli forces withdrew over a 60-day timeframe, now extended to February 18.
Additionally, Hezbollah was obligated to retreat north of the Litani River while dismantling its military structures in the region. A joint statement from the UN envoy and UNIFIL peacekeepers underscored that any delay in the planned troop movement is perceived as a setback and violates a previous Security Council resolution from 2006.
Despite the ceasefire, which was prompted by Hezbollah’s backing of Gaza, tensions still exist, with several incidents of Israeli violations recorded, resulting in casualties. The ongoing conflict has significantly weakened Hezbollah’s operational capacity and leadership capabilities.
In summary, Israeli forces are set to remain in southern Lebanon’s buffer zone indefinitely, with their presence justified by security needs and U.S. support. While Israeli officials maintain this is a necessary measure, Lebanese authorities and UN representatives stress that continued occupation contradicts agreed withdrawal timelines and international resolutions. The situation remains tense following the ceasefire, marked by ongoing Israeli actions and challenges to Hezbollah’s strength.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
