Lebanon’s army warns residents to avoid border area due to “Israeli” mines
BEIRUT – Lebanon’s army urged Lebanese residents on Saturday to wait before heading into the border region, citing the presence of mines and unexploded “Israeli” ordnance.
In a statement, the Lebanese army stated that “Israel” is procrastinating the withdrawal of its troops from southern Lebanon as required under the ceasefire deal. This comes a day after “Israel” said its forces would remain beyond the Sunday deadline for their departure.
Under the U.S.-brokered agreement, which took effect on Nov. 27, Hezbollah weapons and fighters must be removed from areas south of the Litani River, and “Israeli troops” should withdraw as the Lebanese military deploys into the region, all within a 60-day time frame, meaning by Sunday at 4 a.m. (0200 GMT).
The Lebanese army said it had continued to implement the plan to strengthen its deployment south of the Litani River since the ceasefire came into effect.
“Delays occurred in a number of the phases as a result of procrastination in the withdrawal by the Israeli enemy, which complicated the mission of the army’s deployment,” the statement said, adding that the army “maintains its readiness to complete its deployment as soon as the Israeli enemy withdraws.”
On the other hand, the occupation’s forces posted a map on X showing an area of the south containing dozens of villages and reminding residents that until further notice they are forbidden from returning to their homes.
Accordingly, the White House said on Friday that a short, temporary ceasefire extension was urgently needed.
