Lebanese military says it has withdrawn from some towns along border with Israel amid IDF ground op

The Lebanese military says its forces have largely withdrawn from some border towns as Israeli troops continue to push a ground invasion into the country.

The Lebanese military says in a statement that troops had to reposition to prevent being dispersed and cut off from support lines.

Lebanon’s armed forces have gradually withdrawn from a handful of border towns. Remaining residents in the Christian-majority communities of Rmeich and Ain Ebel have appealed to the Lebanese military and leadership to stay.

The Lebanese military says it will maintain soldiers in those towns.

Israel has declared that southern Lebanon up to the Litani River will be a “security zone” in its ongoing war with Iran-backed terror group Hezbollah, and residents will not be able to return until further notice.

Over 1 million people in Lebanon have been displaced over the past month as the IDF stepped up operations in the country following the renewal of Hezbollah rocket attacks on Israel amid the war with Iran.

Times of Israel staff contributed to this report.