On Feb. 18, the Israeli army began a partial withdrawal from military bases in southern Lebanon, but will retain troops in five bases on the southern border, that it is again violating the ceasefire agreement.
The Israeli army was supposed to withdraw from this area within 60 days under the ceasefire agreement that took effect on Nov. 27 last year. In the contents of the agreement, Hezbollah was to withdraw from the southern Litani River, leaving only the Lebanese Regular Army and UN peacekeeping force in Lebanon.
However, Israeli troops did not withdraw from the area until Jan. 26, the last day of the temporary ceasefire, and the deadline was extended to Feb. 18.
A spokesperson for the Lebanese presidential office warned that Lebanon would consider any remaining Israeli presence on its territory as occupation and reserves the right to use all means to ensure the withdrawal of Israeli forces.
He called on the UN Security Council to condemn Israel’s violations and to demand an immediate withdrawal.
