IDF warns Lebanese against returning south, says ‘will deal firmly’ with truce breaches

Col. Avichay Adraee, the IDF’s Arabic-language spokesman, again warns Lebanese civilians to hold off on returning to villages in southern Lebanon amid the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah.

“For your safety and the safety of your family, you are prohibited from moving south toward the villages that the IDF has ordered to be evacuated or toward IDF forces in the area,” he says.

Adraee says that from 5 p.m. until 7 a.m. tomorrow, “it is absolutely forbidden” to cross the Litani River in a southbound direction. Those who are south of the Litani must remain where they are, he says.

“We remind you that the IDF is still deployed in its positions in southern Lebanon in accordance with the terms of the ceasefire agreement, and our forces will deal firmly with any movement that violates this agreement,” Adraee adds.

The IDF has 60 days to withdraw under the deal. During that time, the Lebanese Army will gradually take responsibility for southern Lebanon and an American-led committee will be established to adjudicate complaints regarding potential ceasefire violations.