The Lebanese Army Claims Israeli Forces Violate Agreement, Hindering Deployment in "Pilot Area"
On July 26, Xinhua News Agency reported from Beirut (reporters Shen Feng and Cao Changhao) that the Lebanese Armed Forces issued a statement saying that Israel continues to violate existing agreements, obstructing the deployment of the Lebanese Army in the southern region of Lebanon and delaying the return of residents in border villages.
The statement said that the Israeli military has been carrying out destructive activities in multiple areas, including demolishing civilian homes, damaging water supply facilities, and burning centuries-old olive trees. In addition, the Israeli military has also fired near the deployment areas of the Lebanese Army in places like the village of Taybeh and Szaoutar, interfering with the Lebanese Army's deployment operations.
The statement noted that despite the interference from the Israeli military, the Lebanese Army will still carry out its mission in Szaoutar, assisting local residents in returning home and ensuring their safety, while continuing to advance deployment operations in the towns of Froun and Srifa.
Sources from Lebanese security agencies and local witnesses confirmed to Xinhua reporters on the 21st that after the Israeli military withdrew from Szaoutar in southern Lebanon, the Lebanese Army had entered the town that day and established a defensive position.
On the 20th, the U.S. State Department issued a statement saying that the withdrawal of the Israeli military from the first "pilot area" in southern Lebanon began that day in three villages and towns in southern Lebanon. The statement indicated that this withdrawal operation from the "pilot area" was initiated based on the trilateral framework agreement between the U.S., Lebanon, and Israel, and was a direct result of the talks held in Rome on the 14th between Lebanon and Israel.
The Lebanese Armed Forces reported that Israeli forces are obstructing their deployment in southern Lebanon and conducting destructive activities, including the demolition of homes and infrastructure. Despite these challenges, the Lebanese military continues its operations in Sizautar and assists local residents. The U.S. State Department confirmed the initiation of a withdrawal operation by Israeli forces in the region.
- Israeli forces are violating agreements and obstructing Lebanese military deployment in southern Lebanon.
- Israeli military activities include destruction of homes and infrastructure.
- Lebanese Armed Forces are continuing their deployment despite Israeli interference.
- The U.S. State Department confirmed the initiation of a withdrawal operation in southern Lebanon.