Lebanon deploys troops to Litani region amid fragile ceasefire

The Lebanese Army has begun strengthening its presence in the southern Litani region in coordination with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).

The deployment follows a decision by Lebanon’s Cabinet to enhance security measures in the area, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

Prime Minister Najib Mikati had earlier announced the move after a ceasefire agreement was reached between Israel and Hezbollah.

In response to the redeployment, the Israeli military stated it would act decisively if the ceasefire was violated.

“We are preparing for the possibility that the ceasefire may not hold,” said IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi.

Thus, a ceasefire aimed at ending 13 months of conflict between Israel and the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah has come into effect.

The United States and France have stated that the deal will "halt the fighting in Lebanon and safeguard Israel from Hezbollah and other terrorist groups operating from Lebanese territory."

Under the agreement, Hezbollah has 60 days to withdraw its armed presence from southern Lebanon, while Israeli forces must simultaneously retreat from the area.

US President Joe Biden described the deal as a "permanent cessation of hostilities." The 13-point agreement was signed between the governments of Israel and Lebanon, not Hezbollah, and commits both nations to work towards a long-term and comprehensive resolution.

Key terms include a pledge by Lebanon to prevent Hezbollah and other armed groups from launching attacks on Israel, while Israel has agreed not to conduct offensive military operations against Lebanon.

The deal is rooted in the full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which ended the 2006 war. The resolution required Hezbollah to remove its fighters and weapons from the area between the Blue Line—the unofficial border—and the Litani River, 30km to the north.

Israel has argued that Hezbollah used the past years to fortify its presence in the region, while Lebanon accuses Israel of violating the resolution with military overflights. The agreement also emphasizes the disarmament of all armed groups in Lebanon, as previously called for by the UN.

By Aghakazim Guliyev