Israel has announced its decision to maintain several military positions in southern Lebanon, despite the expiration of the withdrawal deadline for both Israeli forces and Hezbollah on Tuesday. This ongoing presence raises concerns about the potential disruption of the fragile ceasefire currently in place.

Following a ceasefire in November that marked the end of the most intense conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in decades, both parties were expected to hand over authority in southern Lebanon to the Lebanese military by the end of January. However, this deadline was later postponed to February 18 due to escalated border violence.

On Monday, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that Israeli troops would temporarily remain at five “strategic” locations just across the Lebanese border until the Lebanese military fulfills its obligations under the agreement. IDF spokesperson Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani did not specify the duration of the troops’ presence.

This development could lead to increased tensions, as many Lebanese residents are still unable to return to their communities due to ongoing Israeli military cautions.

On Tuesday, Lebanon’s state-run news agency reported that Israel had begun to withdraw from the towns and villages it had occupied along the border. However, the Lebanese military continues to advise civilians against returning to these areas for the time being.

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