Israel has instructed thousands of Lebanese citizens to refrain from returning to the border region

The Israeli military has instructed thousands of displaced Lebanese individuals to refrain from returning to their villages near the border until further notice. This directive comes a day after the army announced that its forces would continue to operate in southern Lebanon beyond the Sunday deadline for withdrawal.

This deadline is part of a ceasefire agreement that concluded last year’s conflict between Hezbollah and Israel. The deal, facilitated by Washington and Paris, required Israeli forces to withdraw from southern Lebanon as the Iran-backed group’s weapons and personnel were removed from the region, and the Lebanese army was deployed, all within a 60-day timeframe that concludes on Sunday.

However, Israel stated on Friday that the Lebanese government had not fully implemented the terms of the agreement, leading to the decision for Israeli troops to remain beyond the deadline, although the duration of their stay was not specified. On Saturday, Lebanon’s U.S.-backed military accused Israel of delaying its withdrawal.

In a statement shared on the social media platform X, the Israeli military released a map indicating a southern area that includes numerous villages, declaring that residents are prohibited from returning home until further notice. The statement warned, “Anyone who moves south of this line puts themselves in danger.” This line extends from Shebaa, located less than 2 km (1.5 miles) from the eastern border, to Mansouri in the west, approximately 10 km (6 miles) from the border.

The ceasefire concluded a conflict that occurred alongside the Gaza war, culminating in a significant Israeli offensive against Hezbollah, which displaced over a million people in Lebanon and severely weakened the militant group.

Hezbollah lawmaker Ali Fayyad expressed concern that signs indicating Israel’s failure to withdraw on schedule represent a serious threat to the agreements established by the Lebanese government.

He urged the government to reassess its stance and seek the most effective strategies to ensure the Israeli withdrawal, emphasizing the need to reassure the Lebanese populace, particularly those in the south who are experiencing significant frustration. This statement was disseminated by Hezbollah.

The Israeli military has reported ongoing efforts to confiscate Hezbollah’s weapons and dismantle its infrastructure in the southern region. Meanwhile, the White House emphasized the urgent necessity for a brief extension of the ceasefire. French President Emmanuel Macron informed his Lebanese counterpart, Joseph Aoun, that he was engaging in discussions to sustain the ceasefire and ensure the agreement’s full implementation, as stated by the Lebanese presidency. Aoun reiterated to Macron the importance of compelling Israel to adhere to the agreement to maintain stability in the southern area.

Israel stated that its operations against Hezbollah are focused on ensuring the safe return of tens of thousands of Israelis who were compelled to evacuate their homes in northern Israel due to rocket attacks from Hezbollah.

In a statement released on Saturday, the Lebanese army advised residents to refrain from entering the border area, highlighting the dangers posed by landmines and unexploded ordnance left by Israeli forces.

The army confirmed that it has been actively working to enhance its presence south of the Litani River since the ceasefire was established.

The statement noted that delays in several phases were caused by the Israeli forces’ slow withdrawal, which has complicated the army’s deployment efforts. The army remains prepared to finalize its deployment as soon as the Israeli forces retreat.