Israeli Troops Remain in Southern Lebanon Despite Ceasefire Deadline

Israel retains control of five strategic positions, drawing condemnation from Lebanon and international bodies over ceasefire violations.

Israeli forces have not fully withdrawn from southern Lebanon, maintaining positions in five strategic locations beyond the February 18 ceasefire deadline.
The U.S.-brokered ceasefire, in effect since November 2024, required both Israel and Hezbollah to withdraw, with the Lebanese army and UN peacekeepers assuming control of the region.
Lebanon's government and Hezbollah have denounced Israel's continued presence as a violation of the agreement, calling on the United Nations to enforce a complete withdrawal.
Israeli officials claim their presence is necessary to prevent Hezbollah violations, while legal experts debate the legitimacy of the ongoing occupation under international law.
The conflict, which began in October 2023 and escalated into a full-scale war, displaced over a million people in Lebanon and caused widespread destruction, leaving many returning villagers to find their homes demolished.