On Saturday, the Lebanese army said it was fully prepared to deploy its forces in southern areas of the country, accusing Israel of holding off on leaving ahead of a ceasefire that is scheduled to go into effect on Sunday. The statements underscore growing friction as a deal brokered to end fighting in the region nears its expiration.
“There has been a delay at several stages due to procrastination in the withdrawal from the Israeli enemy’s side,” the Lebanese army said in a formal statement. The military reaffirmed complete readiness to assume control of the area immediately upon the withdrawal of the occupation forces, and emphasized its determination to restore security and stability in the area.
The withdrawal is part of a cease-fire accord signed in late November, which called for Israeli forces to be entirely withdrawn from southern Lebanon within 60 days. The deal came after a flare-up of tensions and clashes between Israeli forces and the Hezbollah resistance movement. According to deal terms, Israeli forces would also soon abandon the area, allowing the Lebanese army to return to the borders region by Sunday.
But the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Friday that Israel’s forces would stay in southern Lebanon past the deadline, citing security concerns. Lebanese authorities have condemned the move, characterizing it as a violation of the agreement and an obstacle to stabilizing the border region.
The Lebanese army also warned residents of the area to remain vigilant as they return to their homes. “Be cautious in heading back to the southern border areas, due to the presence of mines and suspicious objects left behind,” the army’s statement read. The warning underscores the dangers posed by unexploded ordnance and other remnants of conflict, which could threaten the safety of civilians.
Israel’s failure to adhere to a prompt withdrawal timetable brought additional doubts to(existing) an unstable context. Hundreds in Lebanon have frequently seen their southern border as a center of destructive conflict so hopes for tranquil solutions stay concealed amid profound skepticism. The Lebanese military stands ready to enforce regional sovereignty through deployment but the path toward ultimate control faces increased unpredictability.
Israel’s decision to stay longer in southern Lebanon has resulted in increased tensions with Hezbollah according to analysts who describe the Israeli withdrawal as a success for the resistance. Returning rhetoric from each side in previous weeks has heighten concerns that worsening conditions could lead to new combat between them.
Lebanon requires to show its capability of upholding security in its national borders in addition to resuming its territorial control. The Lebanese Armed Forces recently declared their readiness to move into the area as an official commitment to show that Lebanon wants full control and stability in these areas.
Global attention focuses on the current situation in southern Lebanon as the time runs out. Future days will demonstrate crucially whether the truce keeps its status or if southern Lebanon becomes engaged in fresh combat. At present the Lebanese army watches from the sidelines until complete Israeli troop withdrawal before establishing itself as protector of a centuries-long southern border struggle towards lasting peace and stability.
