Israel says its army to stay in 'buffer zone’ in Lebanon

JERUSALEM

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said Tuesday that the army will stay in five points in southern Lebanon, calling them a "buffer zone" to protect Israeli settlements against Hezbollah attacks.

“Starting today, the IDF (army) will remain in a buffer zone in Lebanon in five strategic outposts and will continue to enforce forcefully and without compromise against any violation by Hezbollah,” he said in a statement.

“Hezbollah must withdraw fully beyond the Litani River line and the Lebanese army must enforce and disarm it under the supervision of the mechanism established under the leadership of the US,” he added.

The Israeli army withdrew from southern Lebanese towns early Tuesday but remained in five border points.

The five points include a hill near Labouneh, the Jabal Blat peak, a hill across from Avivim and Malkia; a hill across from Margaliot; and a hill across from Metula.

According to the Israeli daily Yedioth Ahronoth, the Israeli troop deployment in the five outposts was in agreement with the US.

The newspaper said the army does not expect "an immediate response from Hezbollah" on staying in the five posts.

Last week, Lebanese officials rejected an Israeli demand to remain in five locations in southern Lebanon beyond the Feb. 18 withdrawal deadline.

On Sunday, Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem said that Israel must fully withdraw from southern Lebanon by Feb. 18.

A fragile ceasefire has been in place in Lebanon since Nov. 27, ending months of mutual shelling between Israel and Hezbollah that escalated into a full-scale conflict last September.

Despite the ceasefire, Israel has still committed nearly 1,000 violations, killing and injuring dozens in Lebanon, including women and children.

*Writing by Ahmed Asmar