The Lebanese army withdrew its troops from a base in a southern Lebanese village on Saturday after Israeli troops advanced nearby, according to a military official. The army’s departure from the barracks in Kfar Tebnit occurred as the Israeli military issued an evacuation warning for around 20 locations. This included the southern city of Nabatiyeh and nearby villages.
Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency reported airstrikes on Saturday targeting various villages near Nabatiyeh. These strikes included an attack in Deir al-Zahrani, which resulted in two fatalities. Additionally, Nabatiyeh faced artillery shelling.
A senior Lebanese military official relayed to The Associated Press that the army relocated its forces from the Kfar Tebnit barracks following an incursion by Israeli troops. The official spoke anonymously due to regulations and did not provide further details.
Israeli forces aimed to capture the strategic Ali Taher hill, located at the edge of Kfar Tebnit and overlooking large sections of Nabatiyeh. This hill also commands views over roads connecting the city to nearby villages. Israeli forces had held Ali Taher hill for 18 years, only withdrawing in May 2000.
In late May, Israeli troops also captured a nearby mountain featuring the Crusader-built Beaufort Castle, marking one of the deepest incursions into Lebanon since 2000. The latest push near Kfar Tebnit followed a declaration from Pakistan’s prime minister about an agreement between the United States and Iran. Mediators are reportedly finalizing details aimed at ending the Middle East conflict.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told Iranian state TV on Friday that both sides are working toward an agreement to end the war, including in Lebanon. Senior Hezbollah official Hussein Haj Hassan informed Al Jazeera TV that Iranian officials indicated Lebanon would be included in a future ceasefire arrangement between the U.S. and Iran.
Hezbollah, backed by Iran, has received various weapons and financial support from Tehran over the past four decades. Despite a ceasefire agreement effective from April 17, attacks by Israel and Hezbollah continue. This ceasefire has been renewed several times but remains largely symbolic.
Israel controls significant portions of southern Lebanon, engaging in ongoing conflict with Hezbollah fighters. This has led to civilian casualties and damage to infrastructure. Notably, Hezbollah is not part of the existing ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon. They have conducted frequent rocket and drone attacks.
The most recent Israel-Hezbollah conflict began on March 2, following Hezbollah’s rocket attacks into northern Israel. This occurred two days after U.S. and Israeli military actions against Iran. According to the Lebanese Health Ministry, more than 3,700 individuals have died in Lebanon amid the latest hostilities. The Israeli Prime Minister’s office reports that 30 Israeli soldiers, a defense contractor, and two civilians in northern Israel have also been killed.
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