Lebanese army withdraws from south amid escalating Israel-Hezbollah war
Troop redeployments aim to avoid encirclement as Israeli forces press ground offensives, raising criticism over civilian protection
BEIRUT, Lebanon (MNTV) — The Lebanon army has pulled back from multiple border positions in southern Lebanon, citing the need to prevent units from being surrounded amid intensifying Israeli ground and air operations against Hezbollah.
Military officials said the withdrawal follows repeated Israeli shelling near Lebanese army posts and direct demands for troops to vacate strategic positions.
One checkpoint was reportedly struck by Israeli fire after soldiers refused to leave, resulting in casualties.
Maj. Gen. Abdul Rahman Shuhaitli, speaking to Arab News, said the redeployments are designed to preserve the army’s operational integrity and prevent troops from being cut off from command or supply lines, which could effectively place them under Israeli control.
“Direct confrontation with Israel was never considered,” Shuhaitli said, emphasizing that the army is acting under government orders and that Lebanon has not declared war. “Our priority is to safeguard forces until a ceasefire allows the army to resume its mission.”
The pullback sparked protests, particularly in Christian border towns where residents said the army’s departure left them vulnerable. Lebanese officials responded by pledging continued protection through non-uniformed personnel while maintaining security presence in the area.
The move comes one month into the conflict that began after US and Israeli strikes on Iran prompted Hezbollah attacks on March 2, triggering a massive Israeli military response across southern Lebanon, the Bekaa Valley, and Beirut’s southern suburbs.
Over 1.3 million people have been displaced, with more than 1,300 killed and nearly 4,000 wounded in Israeli attacks, according to official figures.
Shuhaitli noted that guerrilla-style tactics by Hezbollah, using small mobile units armed with anti-tank weapons, have slowed Israeli advances but not stopped the offensive. UN peacekeepers have faced similar pressure to vacate positions near Israeli operational areas.
“The Lebanese army remains the guarantor of national security,” Shuhaitli said. “Our focus is to preserve our forces and maintain readiness until a ceasefire enables us to restore order and protect civilians.”
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