Lebanese Army Withdraws Troops from Border Points Amid Israeli Ground Incursions

SadaNews - The Lebanese army withdrew today, Tuesday, soldiers from several newly established military border points in the south of the country, in light of the Israeli escalation, according to a military source. The Israeli occupation army announced its deployment of forces at additional points in Southern Lebanon.

The Lebanese military source stated that the army "carried out a repositioning of its forces at several newly established points in Southern Lebanon against the backdrop of the Israeli escalation."

It was mentioned that "the elements, numbering a total of eight to nine at each point, were returned to their unit centers due to concerns for their safety," as reported by the French news agency, citing him.

The Reuters agency reported that "the Lebanese army has withdrawn from at least 7 forward operational sites along the border."

It quoted an unnamed Lebanese official stating that "Israeli forces are carrying out incursion operations across parts of the border with Lebanon."

"Israeli Incursion of Hundreds of Meters"

A Lebanese security source stated in press remarks: "There was an Israeli incursion of hundreds of meters into the towns of Kfar Kila and Qozah in Southern Lebanon."

He added that "the Lebanese army carried out a repositioning of soldiers who were at newly established border points," noting that "the repositioning of the soldiers took place from points established over the past two months."

He mentioned that "the repositioning operation came due to the Israeli escalation."

Israeli Directive to Control Additional Areas

Additionally, Israeli Security Minister Israel Katz stated that he and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have "instructed the Israeli army to advance and seize additional areas in Lebanon to prevent shelling of border towns in Israel."

He added that "the Israeli army continues its intensive military operations against Hezbollah targets in Lebanon, as this organization pays the price for its shelling of Israel, and it will pay again in the future."

He continued: "To prevent any direct shelling on Israeli towns, Netanyahu and I authorized the Israeli army to advance and seize additional areas in Lebanon, and to protect the border towns from there," adding: "We have committed to providing security for the Galilee settlements, and we will keep our promise."

The Israeli army stated that its forces "have begun a forward defensive operation" in Lebanon, indicating in a statement that "in parallel with the Israeli army's operations under 'Lion's Roar' operation, the 91st division forces are working in Southern Lebanon, controlling several points in the area as part of the plan to enhance the front-line defense."

The occupying army added that it "is working to provide an additional layer of security for the northern residents by launching large-scale attacks on Hezbollah's infrastructure, with the aim of thwarting threats and preventing infiltration attempts into Israeli territory," repeating its threats that "Hezbollah chose to join this battle and work in favor of Iran, and will bear the consequences of its actions."

Aoun: The Decision to Ban Hezbollah's Military and Security Activities is 'Irrevocable'

In a related context, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun confirmed on Tuesday that the decision to ban Hezbollah's military and security activities is "irrevocable."

In a speech before the members of the Quintet committee, which includes ambassadors from France, the United States, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt, Aoun stated according to a presidential statement, that the decision "to ban military and security activities that are unlawful is a sovereign and definitive decision that cannot be reversed."

Aoun called on the committee members to "press on Israel to stop its aggressions against Lebanon," coinciding with its army continuing to launch large-scale airstrikes on the country.