Lebanese Army Expands Deployment Amid Ongoing Israeli Violations at Border

Watan-The Lebanese army is completing its deployment in all southern border towns from which Israel has withdrawn, in coordination with the Quintet Committee overseeing the ceasefire agreement and the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).

Meanwhile, the Israeli occupation army remains stationed at several border points, escalating its violations and attacks while attempting to impose its freedom of movement in Lebanon.

Military Assessment of Israel’s Presence in Border Areas

Regarding Israel’s continued presence at certain border locations in southern Lebanon, former Lebanese government coordinator with UNIFIL, Brigadier General Mounir Chahine, told Al-Araby Al-Jadeed that “the issue of Israel remaining at five points is still under investigation. There are reports that it occupies seven hills, not just five, stretching from east to west: Al-Hamamis, Kfarkila-Adaisseh, Al-Dawawir, Jal Al-Deir, Jabal Balat, Al-Bateeshiyah, and Al-Labouna.”

Chahine pointed out that “Israel’s stated justifications for staying at these points do not hold up on the ground. First, regarding the claim that these hills are strategically dominant and allow control over the entire sector south of the Litani River from west to east, modern warfare no longer requires armies to position themselves on commanding heights to exert control, given the availability of drones, satellites, and smart weapons.” He added, “The same applies to the justification of protecting Israeli settlements in northern occupied Palestine, as there are 100 Israeli military posts spread from west to east to provide this protection, making the occupation’s presence at five or seven points unnecessary.”

On the other hand, Chahine suggested that “Israel’s insistence on staying in these locations serves hidden and undeclared objectives. First, Israel is signaling to Lebanon and the international community that the Blue Line, which was the subject of negotiations from 2007 (following the signing of Resolution 1701 that ended the July War) until October 7, 2023, is now obsolete. Instead, Israel is imposing a new withdrawal line as a fait accompli, extending from west to east through these five or seven points.”

He further explained that this new line extends “300 meters into Lebanese territory in the west, up to 900 meters to 1 kilometer in the center, and up to 2 kilometers in the east.” He described this new reality as “Blue Prime,” indicating Israel’s push to move past the previous Blue Line and negotiate a new withdrawal boundary. The second goal, according to Chahine, is “to pressure and blackmail the resistance by refusing to withdraw from these points until Hezbollah is disarmed, or until the Lebanese government takes steps to disarm it even north of the Litani River.”

The third, more covert military objective, Chahine argued, is linked to “the evolving situation in Syria, where Israel has advanced northward from the Golan Heights and reached within a few kilometers of Damascus. Israel has established seven new positions extending from west to east in Syrian territory, from the Golan to the Jordanian border, as visible in satellite images.” He emphasized that “these newly established positions in Syria and Lebanon form a new strategic line for Israel, which aims to expand and take the first steps toward creating Greater Israel.”

Lebanese Army’s Deployment

Meanwhile, a Lebanese army source told Al-Araby Al-Jadeed that “military units are completing their deployment in the border villages and towns following the withdrawal of the occupation forces. They are working to clear rubble, open roads, and detonate unexploded ordnance to ensure the safe return of residents.”

The source added that “the enemy has, as expected, reneged on all its commitments, first by violating the 60-day deadline stipulated in the ceasefire agreement of November 27, failing to withdraw by January 26, leading to an extension until February 18. Even after this date, Israel insists on remaining in several border locations, attacking civilians, towns, and even military positions. For this reason, we continue to urge residents to adhere to our safety instructions to prevent casualties.”

The source further noted that “the destruction in the towns where the army has entered is extensive. Throughout the 60-day period, the enemy escalated its operations by demolishing, booby-trapping, and bombing roads, infrastructure, homes, and institutions. It even destroyed abandoned Lebanese army positions, leaving many villages unrecognizable.”

Regarding reports that the occupation is still present in seven locations rather than five, the source clarified that “the main hills occupied are five, but there are additional points linked to them where Israeli forces remain stationed.” He also stated that “Lebanese authorities are engaged in intense negotiations, particularly with the U.S. and France, as well as within the oversight committee, to pressure Israel into a full and swift withdrawal.”

The source confirmed that “the Lebanese army has deployed in the border towns and those recently vacated by the occupation, with more than 6,000 soldiers in place, fully prepared to expand and cover the entire border area.”

A senior Lebanese military source told Al-Araby Al-Jadeed that “the occupation is effectively stationed at five points, but its area of control extends to surrounding regions, allowing it to seize large portions of territory.”

Lebanon Demands Complete Israeli Withdrawal

Lebanese official sources told Al-Araby Al-Jadeed that “Israel must withdraw from every inch of Lebanese territory. Discussions with ceasefire mediators are ongoing, particularly concerning Lebanese prisoners held by Israel, which continues to stall on the issue.”

Since February 18, Israeli violations have resulted in one martyr and several injuries. Early this morning, Israeli warplanes struck illegal border crossings between Lebanon and Syria near Wadi Khaled and Wadi Al-Wawiyat, rendering them inoperable and causing severe damage to nearby homes. Since the morning, Israeli aircraft have been flying at low altitudes over Hermel, northern Bekaa villages, Beirut, and surrounding coastal areas.

Hezbollah: Israel and the U.S. Seek to Eliminate Us

A source close to Hezbollah told Al-Araby Al-Jadeed that “Israel, backed by the U.S., wants to remain in Lebanon not just for military reasons but to eliminate Hezbollah and its weapons. This is their pressure tactic, whether they stay in one position, two, or ten.” He noted that “so far, Hezbollah remains behind the Lebanese state, allowing it to handle the matter and work toward ensuring a full withdrawal as soon as possible.”

The source also emphasized that “the U.S. has never been a neutral mediator or a party willing to pressure Israel. It serves Israel’s interests and executes its agenda, without concern for Lebanon’s well-being. Washington has not pushed for a full withdrawal but is instead pressuring Lebanon to weaken Hezbollah and eliminate it. It repeatedly threatens Lebanon by refusing to aid its institutions or support reconstruction, using this as leverage. However, they must realize that no one can exclude or eliminate Hezbollah.”