Israeli Military Stalls Withdrawal in Southern Lebanon Amidst Tensions
Mays al-Jabal, Lebanon – The Israeli military found itself under scrutiny as it established roadblocks across border towns and strategic valleys in southern Lebanon, with the deadline for withdrawal approaching due to a ceasefire agreement.
Extension of Withdrawal Deadline
The Israeli military confirmed it would not complete its withdrawal from southern Lebanon by Sunday, which was outlined in a ceasefire deal with Hezbollah. The agreement, implemented in late November, provided parties 60 days to remove forces from the region, among other stipulations, including the Lebanese army’s role in securing the area with the assistance of United Nations peacekeepers.
Israeli forces blame Hezbollah for not meeting their obligations, while Lebanon accuses them of hindering the Lebanese military. Tensions have escalated, leading to delays in the agreement’s implementation in various sectors.
The Lebanese military claims to have deployed following Israeli troops’ withdrawals, charging Israel with procrastination in other areas.
International Support for Extension
Washington supports granting Israel more time for its withdrawal, despite the initial deadline.
UNIFIL’s Role in Monitoring
While the Lebanese army soldiers occupy the southern west sector, Israeli forces continue to hold significant areas of the southeast. Members of UNIFIL, the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Lebanon, reported that Israeli military trucks and bulldozers moved unexpectedly and set up roadblocks, allegedly to prevent displaced Lebanese citizens from returning.
Nepalese peacekeepers witnessed Israeli tanks flying overhead, which was apparently linked to controlled demolition of a building in Mays al-Jabal, a town with no residents and рубленные remains of structures from a previous Israeli attack.
The dramatic scenes are reminiscent of the neighboring towns of Blida and Aitaron, which also lie in ruins following Summer’s intense combat and aerial bombings.
Maj. Dinesh Bhandari, a spokesperson for the Nepalese battalion of UNIFIL in Mays al-Jabal, stated, “We are waiting for deconfliction to occur, and we will then support the Lebanese army in assuming that position.”
Hezbollah’s military and political influence in the south remains a concern. The Lebanese army accused Israel of continuing to destroy civilian buildings and infrastructure.
France, alongside the United States, serves as a guarantor of the ceasefire deal and expressed concern. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun mentioned, “The destruction of border villages and land leveling will hinder displaced persons from returning to their homes.”
Displaced Population and Damage Assessment
Out of over a million displaced individuals during the war, 112,000 Lebanese remain without homes. Area destruction extended to large regional expanses, including the southern and eastern parts of Lebanon and Beirut’s southern suburbs.
Conclusion
The Israeli military appears set to remain in southern Lebanon, an extension that has already passed the outlined 60-day deadline due to the ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah. Tensions between the Israeli and Lebanese militaries are on the rise while battling accusations of procrastination.
UNIFIL peacekeepers are left to monitor the ongoing situation while waiting for deconfliction to occur. Meanwhile, the destruction of Lebanese villages, affecting 112,000 displaced individuals, stands as a stark reminder of the destructive consequences of war.
Engagement in constructive dialogue and conflict resolution is essential to ensure a peaceful and cohesive future for Lebanon and its citizens. As these events unfold, it is crucial to maintain a neutral voice and seek fair solutions for all parties involved.
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