The scene during the Israeli military airstrike on Dahieh, Beirut, last September. Photo by Yonhap News
Lebanon deployed military forces on the 18th (local time) in the southern area adjacent to Israel.
According to reports from Times of Israel and others, the Israeli military withdrew simultaneously from major bases in southern Lebanon last night. This was due to the deadline for withdrawal under the ceasefire agreement between Israel and the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah.
However, controversy arose the day before when Israel announced it would station troops at five strategic outposts in southern Lebanon for the foreseeable future. On the same day, Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz issued a statement saying, “From today, the military will remain in buffer zones at the five outposts and will respond firmly to any violation of the (ceasefire) agreement by Hezbollah.”
Lebanon immediately protested. The Lebanese presidential office stated it would consider the Israeli military’s presence on its territory as an “occupation.” It also pointed out Israel’s violations and urged the United Nations Security Council to demand an immediate withdrawal.
The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) stationed in Lebanon and the UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, said in a joint statement that day, “Further delays in the withdrawal of Israeli forces and deployment of Lebanese troops are not expected,” adding, “This constitutes a violation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701.”
Separately, Lebanon deployed government troops and began explosive ordnance disposal operations in areas vacated by the Israeli military.
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