The next phase in the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah went into effect on Tuesday morning. The IDF completed its withdrawal from the Shiite villages in southern Lebanon, where it has operated over the past two and a half months. Israeli forces are deployed along the border in positions that have been built opposite each Israeli town on the northern border. Related articles: Israel struck Syrian bases eyed by Turkey for deployment UAV approaching Israeli territory intercepted by the IAF Terrorist who kidnapped Bibas family eliminated in Gaza Hamas key terror financing facilitator eliminated in Gaza Other forces are manning the five forward installations in southern Lebanon that Israel has announced it will not return. The IDF announced ahead of the withdrawal that the area around the northern border would remain a closed zone. Defense Minister Israel Katz stated: "As of today, the IDF will remain in a buffer zone in Lebanon in five commanding positions and will continue to enforce with uncompromising force against any violation of the Hezbollah - we are determined to provide full security to all the northern towns." "In accordance with the decision of Israel's politicians, as of today, the IDF will retain a security zone in Lebanon in five commanding positions along the border, in order to ensure the protection of all Israeli towns and deterrence against threats from Lebanon. In addition, many positions have been established along the border on the Israeli side and IDF forces have been reinforced." "The IDF will continue to enforce a firm and uncompromising stance against any violation by Hezbollah. Hezbollah must withdraw fully to the Litani and the Lebanese army must disarm and dismantle it under the supervision of the US-led force." "We are determined to instill full confidence in all the communities of the north in accordance with the principle established after the 7th of October - that only the IDF can guarantee the security of the communities in all sectors against any possible threat."
