Lebanon’s army prepares deployment to south as displaced residents head home
Lebanese army soldiers stand guard in front of the six columns of the Temple of Jupiter at the Roman citadel of Baalbeck, in the Lebanese Bekaa valley, during a visit by the United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon and the Director of UNESCO's Beirut office on November 21, 2024. (AFP Photo)
Lebanon‘s army announced Wednesday that it is preparing to deploy to southern regions after a cease-fire between Israel and Hezbollah took effect.
Lebanese army urges not to return to homes yet
The army urged residents of border villages to delay returning home until Israeli military forces complete their withdrawal. The cease-fire agreement stipulates a 60-day timeframe for the Israeli army’s complete withdrawal from the region.
With the ceasefire coming into effect, the army is taking the necessary measures to complete the deployment in the south as mandated by the Lebanese government, and to carry out its missions in coordination with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon – UNIFIL within the framework of Resolution 1701.
In this context, the army command calls on citizens to wait before returning to the frontline villages and towns that the Israeli enemy forces have penetrated, awaiting their withdrawal in accordance with the ceasefire agreement, and stresses the importance of adhering to the instructions of the military units deployed in the area to preserve their safety.
It also calls on residents returning to other areas to exercise caution and beware of unexploded ordnance and suspicious objects left behind by the Israeli enemy, and to contact the army command operations room on 117 to report them, or to inform the nearest army center or other security forces.
Lebanese army
Israeli forces remain in southern Lebanon amid cease-fire agreement
The Israeli army confirmed that its troops remain stationed in southern Lebanon under the terms of the truce.
In a statement shared on social media, Israeli army spokesperson Avichay Adraee warned residents to avoid approaching evacuated villages or Israeli positions, emphasizing that it was not yet safe to return.
With the entry into force of the ceasefire agreement and based on its provisions, the Israeli army remains deployed in its positions inside southern Lebanon.
You are prohibited from heading towards the villages that the Israeli army has ordered to be evacuated or towards Israeli forces in the area.
For your safety and the safety of your family members, refrain from moving to the area.
We will inform you when it is safe to return home.
Israeli army spokesperson Avichay Adraee
Residents begin returning despite warnings
Despite official warnings, dozens of vehicles were seen leaving Sidon, heading toward southern Lebanon early Wednesday. Displaced individuals returned to areas like Tyre on motorcycles and in cars, celebrating the cease-fire. Many described the return as a moment of pride and resilience.
