The Lebanese army has withdrawn its troops from a base in the southern village of Kfar Tebnit following the advance of Israeli forces nearby, according to a military official. This movement occurred as Israel issued evacuation warnings for approximately 20 locations, including the city of Nabatiyeh and surrounding villages.
Lebanon’s National News Agency reported that airstrikes on Saturday hit multiple villages near Nabatiyeh, resulting in two fatalities in Deir al-Zahrani. Nabatiyeh experienced artillery shelling on the same day.
A senior Lebanese military official informed The Associated Press that the army relocated from Kfar Tebnit barracks due to Israeli forces’ incursion into the area. The official, speaking anonymously, refrained from providing further details.
Israeli troops may aim to capture the strategic Ali Taher hill on Kfar Tebnit’s outskirts, which offers a vantage point over Nabatiyeh and numerous roads connecting the city to nearby villages. Israeli forces held this hill for 18 years until their withdrawal in May 2000.
In late May, Israeli troops seized a nearby strategic mountain featuring the Crusader-built Beaufort Castle during their deepest incursion since 2000.
The developments in Kfar Tebnit followed a statement from Pakistan’s prime minister indicating that the United States and Iran have reached an agreement aimed at resolving their Middle Eastern conflict, with mediators working to finalize the deal.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed to state TV that efforts are underway to sign an initial agreement declaring an end to war “on all fronts, including Lebanon.” Senior Hezbollah official Hussein Haj Hassan informed Al Jazeera TV that Iranian officials have indicated Lebanon’s inclusion in a prospective U.S.-Iran ceasefire.
Despite Iran’s backing of Hezbollah, including weapon supplies and financial support over the past four decades, hostilities persist despite a ceasefire enacted on April 17, albeit frequently violated. Israel maintains control over parts of southern Lebanon, engaging in conflict with Hezbollah, which is not part of the Lebanon-Israel ceasefire agreement.
The recent conflict between Israel and Hezbollah began on March 2, triggered by Hezbollah’s rocket attacks on northern Israel subsequent to U.S. and Israeli operations against Iran.
The Lebanese Health Ministry reports that more than 3,700 have died in Lebanon due to the ongoing conflict. Additionally, 30 Israeli soldiers, a defense contractor, and two civilians have perished in or near southern Lebanon and northern Israel, as stated by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office.