Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced on Tuesday that troops will maintain a presence at \"five positions\" in southern Lebanon despite a withdrawal deadline tied to a November 2023 truce. The move escalates tensions with Hezbollah, which has vowed to treat remaining Israeli forces as an occupying power.
Under the U.S.-brokered agreement, Israel was granted 60 days to exit Lebanon following its October ground offensive against Hezbollah. The withdrawal window was later extended to February 18. Katz emphasized Israel's intent to \"act forcefully\" against any provocations, calling the buffer zone a security necessity.
The yearlong conflict has displaced tens of thousands from northern Israel due to Hezbollah rocket attacks, while over one million Lebanese fled Israeli airstrikes. Observers note the Lebanon clashes remain intertwined with the ongoing Gaza war, creating overlapping humanitarian crises.
Hezbollah, founded in 1982 during Israel's earlier Lebanon occupation, has historically resisted foreign military presences. Israel withdrew from southern Lebanon in 2000 after two decades of conflict but redeployed forces last September amid intensified cross-border strikes.
Regional analysts warn the troop retention risks renewed violence in a border area still marked by shelling damage and mass displacement camps. Diplomats continue advocating for de-escalation measures to prevent a broader regional conflict.
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Israel confirms troops to remain at 'five positions' in south Lebanon
cgtn.com
