Israeli forces have executed an initial withdrawal from a town in southern Lebanon, which was subsequently taken over by the Lebanese military under a ceasefire agreement, according to the US Central Command (CENTCOM).
The leader of the command, General Erik Kurilla, “was present at the implementation and monitoring headquarters today during the ongoing first withdrawal of the Israeli Defence Forces and the replacement by the Lebanese Armed Forces in Al-Khiam, Lebanon as part of the (ceasefire) agreement,” CENTCOM stated.
“This marks a significant first step toward achieving a lasting cessation of hostilities and establishes the groundwork for continued advancements,” said Gen Kurilla in the statement.
Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati remarked that the deployment of troops “in the Khiam and Marjayoun areas today signifies a crucial step towards enhancing the army’s presence in the south, in adherence to the ceasefire decision.”
The Lebanese army and UN peacekeepers will be deployed in southern Lebanon as the Israeli army pulls out.
Meanwhile, the Israeli military announced that its 7th Brigade had “completed their mission in Khiam, southern Lebanon.”
“In alignment with the ceasefire understandings and coordinated with the United States, Lebanese Armed Forces’ soldiers are being deployed in the area alongside UNIFIL, the UN peacekeeping mission in the region,” noted the Israeli statement.
Israel intensified its military efforts in southern Lebanon in late September after nearly a year of cross-border exchanges initiated by Hezbollah in support of Hamas, following the Palestinian group’s attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023.
A ceasefire took effect on November 27 and has been generally upheld, although both parties have accused each other of numerous violations.
As part of the agreement, the Lebanese army and United Nations peacekeepers will be stationed in southern Lebanon as the Israeli army withdraws over a 60-day period.
Hezbollah is also expected to pull its forces back north of the Litani River, approximately 30km from the border, and to dismantle its military infrastructure in southern Lebanon.
