The Current State of the Southern Lebanese Front as of January 28, 2025 (Map)
Despite the two-month deadline under the ceasefire agreement for the withdrawal of Israeli troops from southern Lebanon having expired, some border areas remain under Zionist control.
Following the ceasefire in southern Lebanon on November 27, 2024, the Israeli army continued its advance into southern Lebanon, entering many areas without facing conflict, which they had not been able to control during their battle with Hezbollah. Over the 57-day ground conflict, Hezbollah managed to prevent the Israeli military from expanding deep into Lebanon, even south of the Litani River, restricting the fighting to the southern Lebanese border strip.
In total, considering the areas that came under Israeli influence during the ground battle and post-ceasefire, the Israeli army has so far withdrawn from the areas and villages of Shamaa, Tayrharfa, Shiheen, Al-Jubain, Al-Naqurah, Hamul, Bani Hayyan, Kfarshoba, Shabaa, Deir Mimas, Houla, Meis Al-Jabal, Marun Al-Ras, Aitaroun, Yaroun, Dhahira, Yarin, Umm Tut, Zalutiya, Taibah, Deir Saryan, Beit Leif, Haninne, Qantara, Ramieh, Aita Al-Shaab, Rmaish, and Quzah.
According to the ceasefire agreement, these areas have been handed over to UNIFIL forces following the withdrawal of Israeli troops and are now under the control of the Lebanese Army.
Recent reports indicate that the towns and villages of Labouneh, Marwahin, Bustan, Blida, Muhaibib, Markabah, Kafr Qala, Udaysah, Rab al-Thalathin, Tallusah, Tel al-Hamams, al-Wuzzani, al-Abbasiyyah, and al-Majidiyah are still under Israeli control or influence.
As per the ceasefire agreement, the Israeli army was supposed to evacuate these areas within 60 days, by January 26, 2025. However, this did not occur, and the Lebanese government, under pressure from the United States, accepted an extension of the Israeli withdrawal deadline to February 18.
Nevertheless, Hezbollah’s Secretary General and its military command’s Operations Room have stated they do not accept this delay. They assert that the United Nations, the agreement’s supporting countries (the United States and France), as well as the Lebanese government, army, and people must oppose the Zionist occupation.
Given Israel’s repeated requests for permanent deployment at three to five strategic points in southern Lebanon, it appears that Israel’s delays and excuses for not evacuating will continue. Israel’s main objectives are to completely devastate the border areas and reignite the conflict in southern Lebanon. With the Trump administration now in power in the United States, the West’s support for Israel has intensified, and any forthcoming conflict is likely to be more severe than before.
Comment