The Israeli military has set up roadblocks in southern Lebanon, announcing its decision not to withdraw by the agreed deadline of January 26, 2025, as part of a ceasefire with Hezbollah. This situation has led to significant military and diplomatic tensions, impacting the humanitarian landscape and delaying the return of displaced civilians.
On January 25, 2025, the Israeli military established roadblocks in southern Lebanon, notably in the region of Mays al-Jabal, indicating it would not fulfill its planned withdrawal by the next day’s deadline as stipulated in a ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah. The agreement, active since late November, allowed both parties 60 days to withdraw their forces, facilitating the Lebanese Army’s deployment and U.N. peacekeeper presence.
The Israeli military asserts that the agreement’s implementation is ongoing but has faced delays in specific areas. Israel cites Hezbollah and the Lebanese Army as failing to meet their obligations, while Lebanon contends that Israeli actions impede the Lebanese military’s takeover of the region. Meanwhile, the Lebanese military has announced its presence in certain zones following Israeli troop withdrawal, accusing Israel of delaying its broader exit.
The situation has garnered U.S. support for a prolonged withdrawal period. Despite the Lebanese military’s deployment in the western sectors, Israeli troops remain dominant in the southeast. Members of the U.N. peacekeeping forces, known as UNIFIL, reported unexpected roadblock placements by Israeli tanks, seemingly intended to obstruct displaced Lebanese citizens attempting to return to their homes
In Mays al-Jabal, UNIFIL peacekeepers observed an Israeli aircraft overhead, coinciding with the controlled demolition of structures in the area. Most buildings have been severely damaged or destroyed due to Israeli military action, and the few standing structures exhibit significant destruction. Access for civilians has become nearly impossible due to the extensive debris obstructing roads.
Similar devastation is noted in adjacent towns such as Blida and Aitaroun, where the majority of buildings have collapsed. UN peacekeepers have sought permission to cross the roadblocks but were denied access, resulting in a patrol team being stranded. An official from UNIFIL highlighted ongoing Israeli Defense Forces activity in the region, awaiting coordination to support the Lebanese Army’s deployment.
During patrols, UNIFIL personnel discovered weapon caches attributed to Hezbollah. Israel maintains that it targets remaining Hezbollah infrastructure in southern Lebanon, which has substantial military influence. Following the ground incursion, Israel has conducted demolition operations in multiple border towns, prompting Lebanese officials to raise concerns about civilian infrastructure damage.
In a conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun emphasized the destruction of villages near the southern border, which could obstruct the return of displaced residents. France and the United States are guarantors of the ceasefire agreement. Currently, approximately 112,000 Lebanese individuals remain displaced, a fraction of the total exceeding 1 million displaced during the conflict, with vast areas in southern Lebanon having sustained extensive destruction.
The article reports on the Israeli military’s recent activities and the ongoing tensions in southern Lebanon following a ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah. The conflict has caused significant destruction and displacement of civilians, leading to international concern regarding the implementation of military withdrawals and the humanitarian situation in the region. The involvement of U.N. peacekeepers and the Lebanese military is essential for maintaining stability and facilitating the safe return of displaced individuals.
In summary, the Israeli military’s establishment of roadblocks and its delayed withdrawal from southern Lebanon reflect ongoing tensions following a ceasefire with Hezbollah. Despite the presence of Lebanese and U.N. forces, the situation remains complex, with significant challenges to civilian safety and the restoration of order in the region. The humanitarian impact of these military actions continues to raise serious concerns, necessitating international engagement and support for affected populations.
Original Source: apnews.com
