The Israeli army has ordered thousands of displaced Lebanese to stay away from villages near the border, issuing a stark warning against returning to their homes. This directive comes just a day after Israel announced it would not meet the Sunday deadline for withdrawing its forces from southern Lebanon, as stipulated in the ceasefire agreement that ended last year’s war with Hezbollah.
A Delayed Withdrawal Sparks Tensions
The ceasefire deal, brokered by Washington and Paris, required Israeli forces to withdraw from southern Lebanon within 60 days while ensuring the removal of Hezbollah’s weapons and fighters from the area. Lebanon’s military would then deploy to secure the border. However, on Friday, Israel declared that the terms had not been fully enforced by the Lebanese state. Consequently, its forces would remain indefinitely, though no timeline for withdrawal was provided.
Lebanon’s U.S.-backed military criticized Israel for what it called procrastination in adhering to the agreement. The delay has inflamed tensions, particularly in the border villages, where displaced residents were hoping to return.
A Warning from Israel
In a social media post on platform X, the Israeli military issued a map showing restricted zones in the south, encompassing dozens of villages from Shebaa in the east to Mansouri in the west.
“Anyone who moves south of this line puts themselves in danger,” the statement read. The directive highlights the ongoing volatility in the region, where landmines, unexploded ordnance, and continued military activity pose serious risks.
Hezbollah’s Response
Hezbollah lawmaker Ali Fayyad condemned Israel’s refusal to meet the deadline, calling it a “dangerous development” that jeopardizes the agreements brokered by the Lebanese government.
Fayyad urged the Lebanese government to reconsider its approach and find effective ways to pressure Israel into withdrawing. “The southern community is experiencing extreme anger,” he warned, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
A Push for Stability
Israel has justified its extended presence by citing the need to dismantle Hezbollah’s weapons and infrastructure, claiming this effort is vital for ensuring the safety of its northern communities. Tens of thousands of Israelis were forced to flee their homes during the war due to Hezbollah’s rocket fire.
Meanwhile, Lebanon’s army continues its deployment south of the Litani River, despite challenges posed by the delayed Israeli withdrawal. The Lebanese military also warned residents against prematurely returning to border areas, citing the presence of mines and other dangers left behind by Israeli forces.
Calls for Diplomacy
Global leaders have weighed in on the escalating situation. The White House called for a temporary extension of the ceasefire, emphasizing its importance for stabilizing the region. French President Emmanuel Macron also urged for the full implementation of the agreement during a conversation with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun.
Aoun, in turn, stressed the need for international pressure to compel Israel to fulfill its obligations under the ceasefire agreement. He emphasized that stability in southern Lebanon hinges on the withdrawal of Israeli forces.
Conclusion
As tensions simmer, the delay in Israel’s withdrawal exposes the fragile nature of the ceasefire agreement. Both Lebanese residents and international leaders are now grappling with how to enforce the deal and prevent a return to conflict. With anger mounting among displaced communities and diplomatic efforts gaining urgency, the coming weeks will be critical in determining whether peace in southern Lebanon can hold or unravel.
