Lebanese Army to Increase Deployment in Southern Lebanon Amid Ceasefire with Israel

On Wednesday, Lebanon's Defense Minister Maurice Sleem confirmed that the Lebanese army would increase its deployment in southern Lebanon to 10,000 troops. The move comes in the wake of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah, which took effect earlier that morning. Sleem told Qatari state media Al Jazeera that "only the Lebanese army and UNIFIL forces will be present on Lebanese territory" as part of efforts to maintain peace and enforce the ceasefire.

Lebanese caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati was briefed on the military's plan to bolster its presence in the region. The Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) have already begun preparations for the deployment, urging residents of border villages to delay returning home until the Israeli military withdraws.

Despite the ceasefire, tensions remain high in southern Lebanon. On Wednesday, Israeli airstrikes targeted Hezbollah infrastructure in Beirut, Tyre, and Nabatieh, focusing on command centers, weapons storage facilities, and drone launch sites. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) also issued evacuation warnings for several buildings in Beirut suburbs, urging civilians to evacuate for safety.

The situation on the ground remains volatile, with the IDF remaining on high alert and ready to operate across Lebanese territory to address any breaches of the ceasefire agreement. Israel has reiterated its commitment to protecting its citizens while continuing military operations against any Hezbollah activities near the border.

The 60-day ceasefire agreement includes the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon, with Hezbollah expected to move north of the Litani River. Regional leaders and international observers are closely monitoring the situation, hopeful that the ceasefire will lead to long-term peace and stability in the region.