The Lebanese Army began a gradual deployment into areas south of the Litani River on Thursday, coinciding with the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the region. This development follows a two-day high-level meeting in Washington, where U.S. Officials announced that Lebanon and Israel had reached an agreement on a ceasefire.
In a statement, the Lebanese Army confirmed it had cleared earthen barriers placed by Israeli forces on the road between Marjeyoun, Debbine, and Ibl al-Saqi, effectively reopening the route. Military units are currently conducting an engineering survey to remove unexploded ordnance and have urged citizens to avoid the area and adhere to military instructions until the deployment is complete.
The Diplomatic Landscape
The path to the current ceasefire agreement has been characterized by complex negotiations. Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati described the diplomatic route as the “fastest and least costly” option for the nation, emphasizing that the removal of armed elements from the south of the Litani is a fulfillment of Lebanon’s commitment to UN Security Council Resolution 1701, rather than an externally imposed condition.
Despite the agreement announced in Washington, the situation on the ground remains volatile. The Israeli military stated on Thursday that it would continue its operations in southern Lebanon and warned civilians against returning to areas south of the Litani River.
Did You Know?
The Lebanese Army’s current deployment is being coordinated with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and the committee responsible for overseeing the cessation of hostilities.
Divergent Perspectives
The agreement faces significant internal challenges. Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem has rejected the results of the negotiations, stating in a televised address on Thursday that the group will not accept any link between its presence and the ceasefire. Qassem asserted that the resistance would continue as long as Israeli forces remain in Lebanon, maintaining that the primary goal must be the total cessation of Israeli aggression and the withdrawal of troops.
Meanwhile, the human cost of the conflict continues to rise. According to the Lebanese Ministry of Health, the number of casualties resulting from Israeli attacks since March 2 has reached 3,526 deaths and 107,033 injuries.
Expert Insight:
The tension between the state-led diplomatic efforts to implement Resolution 1701 and the continued resistance stance of Hezbollah highlights the profound internal fractures facing Lebanon. The success of any ceasefire appears to rely heavily on the sustainability of the U.S.-brokered framework and the ability of the Lebanese Army to assert control in the south while navigating the competing security demands of the involved parties.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the ceasefire take effect?
According to previous statements from the Lebanese president, the ceasefire could enter into force within 24 hours of approval by all relevant parties.
What are the conditions of the ceasefire?
A joint statement issued by the United States indicates that the ceasefire is conditional upon a complete halt to fire from Hezbollah and the removal of its elements from the sector south of the Litani.
What is the status of the Lebanese Army’s operations?
The Army is currently performing a gradual deployment and clearing unexploded ordnance in coordination with UNIFIL and the committee overseeing the cessation of hostilities.
How will the coordination between the Lebanese Army and international peacekeeping forces shape the stability of the southern region in the coming days?
