Israeli Army Withdraws from Southern Lebanon, Holds Five Border Positions

According to the state-run National News Agency (NNA), Israeli troops pulled out from Blida, Yaroun, Maroun al-Ras, Meiss el-Jabal, Houla, Markaba, Odeiseh, Kfarkela, and Wazzani.

Lebanese army forces entered the vacated areas and began operations to clear explosives and remove earth mounds, the broadcaster said. UN peacekeeping forces (UNIFIL) also conducted patrols and set up posts near Lebanese army checkpoints in the liberated towns, NNA added.

Despite the withdrawals, Israeli forces remain in five border posts near settlements in northern occupied territories, according to the news agency.

Israeli war minister Yoav Gallant said the army would maintain its presence in five strategic border positions to ensure security.

"Starting today, the (army) will remain in a buffer zone in Lebanon in five strategic outposts along the border line to ensure the protection of northern communities," he posted on X.

Residents of several Lebanese border villages have been advised to wait until the Lebanese army fully deploys before returning home, as the military works to secure the area following Israel’s partial withdrawal under Monday’s ceasefire agreement.

Fatima Shukeir, a resident of Meiss el-Jabal, expressed her eagerness to return. "I miss sitting in front of my house, near my roses, and having a morning cup of coffee," she said, more than a year and a half after being displaced.

"I miss everything in Meiss el-Jabal. I miss my neighbors. We were separated, and I don’t know where they went," she told AFP.

"We’ll go to our town and be happy again, despite the fact that our homes have been destroyed and we lost young people," she added.