Tensions Rise as Lebanese Army Withdraws Amid Israeli Advances

The Lebanese army removed its forces from a military base in the village of Kfar Tebnit in southern Lebanon. This action followed the advance of Israeli troops in a nearby region. A military official confirmed this development.

The Israeli military issued evacuation warnings for about 20 locations, including the city of Nabatiyeh and its adjacent villages. The Lebanese state-run National News Agency reported airstrikes in these areas. Notably, an airstrike in Deir al-Zahrani resulted in two fatalities. Additionally, Nabatiyeh experienced artillery shelling.

A senior Lebanese military official informed The Associated Press that the withdrawal from Kfar Tebnit occurred after Israeli incursion into the area. The official requested anonymity due to regulations and did not provide further details.

Israeli forces appear to target the strategic Ali Taher hill near Kfar Tebnit. This location offers a vantage point over Nabatiyeh and connects with several key roads. Israeli troops previously occupied Ali Taher hill for 18 years, until withdrawal in May 2000.

Recently, in late May, Israeli troops seized a nearby strategic mountain containing the Crusader-built Beaufort Castle, marking their deepest move into Lebanon since 2000.

The advance near Kfar Tebnit coincided with a statement from Pakistan’s prime minister regarding an agreement between the United States and Iran intended to resolve their conflict in the Middle East. Mediators are engaged in finalizing the deal.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed on Iranian state TV that progress toward an initial agreement on ending the war was ongoing, covering all fronts, including Lebanon.

Hussein Haj Hassan, a senior Hezbollah official, informed Al Jazeera TV that Iranian authorities have indicated Lebanon’s inclusion in a potential ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran.

Iran, a major supporter of Hezbollah, has supplied the group with various weapons over the decades and provided substantial funding.

The conflict persists despite a ceasefire that started on April 17. Although this agreement, periodically renewed, remains mostly ineffective, Israel still occupies substantial areas in southern Lebanon. Clashes continue with Hezbollah fighters, causing civilian casualties and infrastructure damage. Hezbollah, not a participant in the ceasefire agreement with Israel, frequently deploys rockets and drones.

The current Israel-Hezbollah conflict began on March 2, stemming from Hezbollah’s rocket attacks on northern Israel, which followed U.S. and Israeli assaults on Iran. The Lebanese Health Ministry reports over 3,700 Lebanese casualties in the recent hostilities. In contrast, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office cites the deaths of 30 Israeli soldiers, one defense contractor in or near southern Lebanon, and two civilians in northern Israel.