The Lebanese army has reached the country’s southern borders for the first time since war broke out between Hezbollah and Israel late last year, reclaiming occupied villages. But its return has uncovered widespread destruction, something that security sources described as an “expected surprise.”
The Israeli military used the 60-day withdrawal period—extended by an additional two weeks—to systematically devastate the villages under a scorched earth policy, both in the literal and figurative sense.
Security information reviewed by Asharq Al-Awsat showed that Israeli forces remain in at least seven positions, rather than the five officially declared.
Despite pulling back, Israel has continued to carry out attacks in Lebanon, firing warning shots at Lebanese soldiers, launching an airstrike on a vehicle, and wounding two civilians in a separate attack.
Deployment in Southern Lebanon
The Lebanese army has deployed around 6,500 soldiers south of the Litani River, with plans to increase the number to 8,000 soon. These forces have established multiple military positions in areas previously caught in the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.
Under the ceasefire agreement, Hezbollah was expected to withdraw from these areas following the November 27 truce and the extended Israeli pullout deadline, which ended on Tuesday. However, Israeli forces have remained in certain locations along the border.
Israeli Troop Presence Exceeds Official Figures
Israel had announced its forces would stay in five positions, but security sources told Asharq Al-Awsat that Israeli troops remain in at least seven locations inside Lebanese territory, with the deepest incursion reaching about three kilometers.
One of these positions, extending into Lebanese territory like an arrow, is considered a weak point for Israeli forces if they maintain a prolonged presence. The Israeli troops’ locations stretch from al-Hamamis Hill, south of Khiam, where they have advanced 1.5 to 3 kilometers, to Kfar Kila, where they control a road running along the border fence.
This area was previously disputed, with Israel insisting it was part of its territory before eventually withdrawing and recognizing it as Lebanese land.
Another position near Markaba, in southeastern Lebanon, sits adjacent to a UNIFIL post, while the border road from Kfar Kila to Markaba remains under Israeli control.
Nearby, Israel has reinforced a site close to Tallat al-Abbad, where a contested grave has historically been split between Lebanese and Israeli territory. Israel has now taken full control of the site and begun renovations.
Additional Israeli positions include Aitaroun, where Israeli forces have taken control of a wedge-shaped area known as Jal al-Deir, and Jabal Balat, where Israeli troops have blocked the road between Ramyah and Marwahin.
Another unannounced position near Dhayra has seen Israel cut off a road without establishing a permanent presence, while the final known position is in Labouneh, overlooking Naqoura on the coast—a site of Israeli-Lebanese disputes since 2000.
A Lebanese army field study, reviewed by Asharq Al-Awsat, found that these Israeli positions offer little strategic military advantage, with poor visibility for reconnaissance.
The report suggests Israel’s continued presence is driven more by political considerations than military necessity. Notably, these positions face key Israeli settlements, from Metula in the east to Shlomi in the west.
Lebanese Troops Face Harsh Conditions Amid Destruction
As the Lebanese army moved into the border areas, troops encountered widespread devastation. According to a Lebanese security source, nearly 80% of border villages have been destroyed, including all former army positions, which were abandoned before Israel's ground invasion in September.
With harsh winter conditions and strong polar winds, soldiers have been forced to sleep in their vehicles, using them as shelter at night and transport during the day. The army also faces logistical challenges in maintaining supplies for units stationed along the border.
Clearing Debris and Recovering Bodies
Beyond securing the border and stabilizing liberated villages, the Lebanese army is assisting civilians by clearing debris, reopening roads, and removing unexploded ordnance.
Troops have also recovered the bodies of fallen fighters, retrieving 69 Hezbollah casualties on the first day of the Israeli withdrawal alone.
Additionally, two Hezbollah fighters were found alive in a shelter in Kfar Kila, having been trapped inside for over two months during the conflict.
As for recent security events, an Israeli drone strike targeted a vehicle in the southern Lebanese town of Aita al-Shaab, in Bint Jbeil district, killing the son of the town’s mayor and critically injuring his wife, as residents continue returning to their devastated villages.
Israeli military spokesperson Avichay Adraee later claimed on social media platform X that the strike was aimed at “eliminating a threat” and had “neutralized a Hezbollah operative in Aita al-Shaab after he was spotted handling weapons.”
Adraee added that the Israeli army continues to act against any threats in line with understandings between Israel and Lebanon.
Moreover, Israeli forces opened fire from their Radar site near Shebaa, targeting homes in the town, and later carried out another round of gunfire from al-Hamamis Hill.
Meanwhile, an Israeli bulldozer erected a new earth barrier near the square of Adaisseh, in the Khallat al-Mahafir area.
Israeli troops also threw stun grenades at a gathering of residents in Kfar Kila. In a separate incident, two Israeli Merkava tanks fired at a Lebanese army post in the Barakat Naqqar area, south of Shebaa, though no casualties were reported.
Several people were wounded when Israeli forces opened fire on parks in Wazzani, where returning residents were inspecting the area. An Israeli soldier also shot a Lebanese man in the leg as he checked his property along the Wazzani River.
