Overview

• Israeli forces have started withdrawing from Naqoura and other areas in south Lebanon, moving back to positions south of the U.N.-demarcated Blue Line.
• The withdrawal is part of a U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah, which mandates a full Israeli pullout within 60 days, set to conclude by January 26, 2025.
• The Lebanese Army, in coordination with U.N. peacekeeping forces, has begun deploying to the vacated areas, aiming to secure the border and enforce the ceasefire terms.
• Hezbollah is required to withdraw its forces north of the Litani River and dismantle military infrastructure in the south, though both sides have accused each other of violations.
• U.S. envoy Amos Hochstein expressed cautious optimism about the progress, while urging Lebanese leaders to focus on political reforms and elect a president after more than two years of vacancy.