A United Nations peacekeeper (UNIFIL) is seen inside a vehicle on a road in the Hamames Hill, located in the plain of Khiam, near the Lebanese-Israeli border in southern Lebanon, on October 12, 2023. — Reuters file
Israeli forces completed their first withdrawal from a town in southern Lebanon and were replaced by the Lebanese military as part of a ceasefire agreement, according to the US Central Command (Centcom). Centcom's commander, General Erik Kurilla, was present at the implementation and monitoring headquarters during the initial Israeli Defense Forces withdrawal and Lebanese Armed Forces deployment in Al Khiam, Lebanon, as outlined in the ceasefire deal, the statement revealed.
"This marks a significant initial step toward the implementation of a lasting cessation of hostilities and sets the stage for further progress," Kurilla was quoted as saying in the statement. Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati expressed that the deployment of troops in the Khiam and Marjayoun areas signifies a crucial move toward reinforcing the army's presence in the south, in line with the ceasefire decision.
"We commend the army's efforts" in establishing "stability in the south," Mikati stated on X. Meanwhile, the Israeli military announced that its 7th Brigade had concluded its mission in Khiam, southern Lebanon. "In accordance with the ceasefire understandings and with US coordination, soldiers of the Lebanese Armed Forces are being deployed in the area alongside UNIFIL, the UN peacekeeping mission in the region," the Israeli statement noted.
The Pentagon later confirmed that Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin had spoken with his Israeli counterpart, Israel Katz, assuring him that the United States is collaborating with its partners to support the ceasefire. Austin emphasized that the ceasefire "has the potential to foster conditions for restoring enduring calm and enabling residents on both sides of the Israel-Lebanon border to return safely to their homes," according to the US readout.
Israel intensified its military operations in southern Lebanon in late September, following nearly a year of cross-border exchanges initiated by Hezbollah in support of its ally Hamas, in response to the Palestinian group's October 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel. A ceasefire took effect on November 27 and is generally holding, despite mutual accusations of violations by both sides. Under the agreement, the Lebanese army and UN peacekeepers will deploy in southern Lebanon as the Israeli army withdraws over a 60-day period. Hezbollah is also required to withdraw its forces north of the Litani River, approximately 30 kilometers from the border, and dismantle its military infrastructure in southern Lebanon.
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