Tensions Rise as Lebanese Army Withdraws from Southern Base

BEIRUT — The Lebanese army retreated from a southern Lebanese village base on Saturday after Israeli forces advanced nearby, a military source stated. This withdrawal from Kfar Tebnit coincided with the Israeli military issuing evacuation warnings for roughly 20 locations, including Nabatiyeh and adjacent villages.

Lebanon’s National News Agency reported airstrikes on multiple villages near Nabatiyeh, resulting in two deaths in Deir al-Zahrani. Additionally, Nabatiyeh faced artillery assaults on Saturday.

A senior Lebanese military official, speaking anonymously due to protocol, conveyed that the movement of Lebanese troops from Kfar Tebnit followed an Israeli incursion. This advance targeted the strategic Ali Taher hill, which overlooks key areas of Nabatiyeh and connects it to nearby villages.

Israeli forces had maintained control over the Ali Taher hill for 18 years until their withdrawal in May 2000.

Israeli troops recently took control of another strategic location, a mountain topped with Beaufort Castle, marking the deepest incursion since 2000.

This military activity occurred just after Pakistan’s prime minister announced progress on a U.S.-Iran agreement aimed at ending hostilities in the Middle East. Efforts are ongoing to finalize the deal.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that discussions are focused on ending conflict “on all fronts, including Lebanon.”

According to a senior Hezbollah official, Iranian representatives assured them that Lebanon would be incorporated into a potential ceasefire deal between the U.S. and Iran.

Iran has been a major supporter of Hezbollah, supplying arms and funding for decades.

Despite an April 17 ceasefire, Israeli-Hezbollah hostilities persist, causing civilian casualties and infrastructure damage. Hezbollah frequently responds with rocket and drone strikes.

The latest conflict began on March 2 after Hezbollah launched rockets into northern Israel following U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran.

Lebanese Health Ministry reports indicate more than 3,700 fatalities in Lebanon since the onset of hostilities. Additionally, 30 Israeli soldiers, as well as one defense contractor, were killed in or near southern Lebanon. Moreover, two civilians died in northern Israel, according to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office.