Lebanese forces withdraw from south as Israel advances ground offensive

The Lebanese military said it has largely withdrawn from several border towns as Israeli forces continue to press deeper into the country with an ongoing ground operation, according to The Associated Press (AP).

In a statement, the army explained that units were redeployed strategically to maintain operational cohesion, while confirming a gradual withdrawal from a number of frontline communities.

Residents in the Christian-majority towns of Rmeich and Ain Ebel have urged both the military and political leadership to maintain a presence, reflecting growing local concern over security.

The army noted it will still keep personnel stationed in those towns.

Israel, meanwhile, has designated southern Lebanon up to the Litani River as a “security-zone” in its ongoing conflict with Hezbollah, warning that displaced residents will not be allowed to return for the foreseeable future.

More than one million people in Lebanon have been displaced over the past month as the situation continues to escalate.

By Jeyhun Aghazada