Lebanon: Israeli army warns Lebanese against returning to the south of the country

Since the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah came into effect, thousands of displaced people have started to return to some villages in the south.

The Israeli army warned Lebanese civilians on Monday against returning to dozens of villages in southern Lebanon, stating that Hezbollah’s activities in the area were a violation of the ceasefire. Since the ceasefire came into effect on Friday between Israel and the pro-Iranian Islamist movement, thousands of displaced people have started to return to some localities in the south, while the Lebanese army has begun reopening roads and bridges damaged by the strikes.

Israeli forces remain deployed in the defense zone

The Israeli army, however, issued a new warning. “Hezbollah continued its terrorist activities during the ceasefire, in violation of the agreement. As a result, Israeli forces remain deployed in the defense zone,” said the Arabic-speaking spokesperson for the army, Colonel Avichay Adraee. “For your safety and that of your families, and until further notice, we urge you not to go to the south of the forward defense line,” he added, referring to a demarcation line limiting an area occupied by Israeli troops.

On Saturday, a Hezbollah official also urged residents to be cautious, warning them against premature return to the south. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated on Sunday that the army had been ordered to use “all its force” against any threat in Lebanon, including during the ceasefire. He also declared that Israel would demolish suspected homes used by the pro-Iranian movement, as Lebanese official media reported ongoing demolitions. The Israeli army also released a map showing its “forward defense line” as well as an area along the border with Lebanon, where it claims to be conducting operations to dismantle Hezbollah’s infrastructure and “prevent any direct threat against northern Israeli localities.”