Lebanon Deploys Army to Over 120 Locations in South

(MENAFN) The Lebanese Army has significantly increased its footprint in southern Lebanon, with redeployment to more than 120 locations, according to a statement from the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) on Monday.

“Peacekeepers work closely with the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) to restore stability in the region,” UNIFIL said in its report.

The statement further clarified, “With UNIFIL’s support, the LAF has redeployed to over 120 positions in south Lebanon, reinforcing state authority in line with UN Security Council Resolution 1701.”

UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which was unanimously adopted in 2006, sought to end hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel, calling for a permanent ceasefire and the establishment of a buffer zone.

In a related development, the UN Security Council last month approved a final extension of the UN peacekeeping mission’s mandate, which will now last until the end of 2026. The peacekeepers have been stationed in southern Lebanon for nearly half a century.

Tensions have escalated since Israel initiated military operations in Lebanon on October 8, 2023. By September 2024, the conflict had transformed into a full-scale war, resulting in over 4,000 fatalities, including Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, and leaving around 17,000 people wounded.

A ceasefire was eventually brokered in November, though Israeli forces have continued near-daily strikes in southern Lebanon, claiming they are targeting Hezbollah activities.

Under the ceasefire terms, Israel was required to withdraw completely from southern Lebanon by January 26. However, the deadline was later extended to February 18, as Tel Aviv failed to comply with the original deadline. Israel still maintains a military presence at five border outposts.

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