Lebanese army steps in near Israeli border as IDF repositions forces

Lebanese regular army armoured vehicles, escorted by UN peacekeeping force (UNIFIL) vehicles, arrived in the Kfar Shuba area, located just a few kilometres from the Israeli border in the eastern sector. This move follows the earlier withdrawal of IDF forces from the region.

According to Israeli media reports, the process of relocating Lebanese army forces to southern areas, cleared of Hezbollah weapons and infrastructure by the Israeli army, began several weeks ago, per Caliber.Az.

On January 21, Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) Chief of General Staff Herzi Halevi directed the military to prepare plans for continued operations in both Gaza and Lebanon. Additionally, preparations for large-scale counter-terrorism operations in the West Bank were ordered.

The IDF press service confirmed the directive: “The Chief of General Staff instructed to develop plans to continue operations in both the Gaza Strip and Lebanon.” Halevi emphasized that, alongside strengthening defensive measures in Gaza, the IDF must also prepare for significant counter-terrorism efforts in the West Bank to apprehend terrorists before they can target Israeli civilians.

On January 19, Israeli authorities declared a ceasefire and released 90 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for three Israeli hostages under an agreement with Hamas.

A cessation of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah was reached on November 27, 2024. According to the terms of the agreement, the Israeli army began withdrawing from Lebanon but retains the right to strike Hezbollah fighters if they are deemed a threat to Israeli security. Since then, there have been reports of exchanges of fire between Israeli and Hezbollah positions.

By Tamilla Hasanova