Progress in Ceasefire Mediated by the U.S., Israel Begins Withdrawing Troops from Lebanon

Progress in Ceasefire Mediated by the U.S., Israel Begins Withdrawing Troops from Lebanon

The United States has announced that Israel has initiated the first phase of troop withdrawal from southern Lebanon as part of the ceasefire agreement. This development was reported by Reuters on Thursday

Last month, a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah was brokered by the U.S. and French governments. Under the terms of the agreement, Israeli forces are required to withdraw from southern Lebanon along the Israel-Lebanon border within 60 days, while Hezbollah fighters are to retreat north of the Litani River.

Despite the ceasefire announcement, there were intermittent exchanges of fire between Israel and Hezbollah in the weeks that followed. However, the withdrawal of Israeli troops is seen as the beginning of a more comprehensive truce.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, U.S. Central Command confirmed that Israeli forces had withdrawn from the southern Lebanese town of Al Khiyam, and regular Lebanese troops have been deployed in the vacated areas.

General Michael Kurilla, Commander of U.S. Central Command, said, “This is an important first step in implementing a lasting cessation of hostilities and will lay the groundwork for continued progress.”

Following the Israeli troop withdrawal, Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati stated that the new deployment of Lebanese forces in Khiyam and Marjayoun represents a fundamental step in implementing the ceasefire agreement.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Mikati said, “We commend the efforts of the Lebanese Army in establishing stability in southern Lebanon.”

Separately, the Israeli military reported that its 7th Brigade had completed its mission in southern Lebanon, particularly in Khiyam.

The Israeli military stated in a statement, “In accordance with the ceasefire arrangements and coordination with the United States, the Lebanese Armed Forces are being deployed in the area.”

Later, the U.S. Department of Defense revealed that Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin had spoken with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. Austin reiterated that the United States is working with its partners to support the Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire.