The IDF has pulled out of southern Lebanese villages but remains in five positions, a Lebanese security source says, as a deadline for the withdrawal expires under a ceasefire deal with Hezbollah.
“The Israeli army has withdrawn from all border villages except for five points, while the Lebanese army is gradually deploying due to the presence of explosives in some areas and damage to the roads,” the source, who speaks on condition of anonymity, tells AFP.
The Lebanese television channel LBCI reports that the Lebanese army had moved overnight into the key border towns and villages of Mais al-Jabal, Blida, Yaroun, Maroun and Mahbib as the IDF withdrew forces.
Several local authorities, including Mais al-Jabal’s municipality, have called on displaced residents to wait for the Lebanese army to deploy there before coming back, so as to guarantee their “safe” return.
Israel said it would meet the February 18 deadline to withdraw under a ceasefire, but remain deployed in five strategic positions in southern Lebanon.
The IDF declined to confirm the withdrawal has been completed.
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