The Lebanese army redeploying to positions on the outskirts of Aïta el-Chaab (district of Bint Jbeil). (Credit: Mountasser Abdallah.)
Majed Tahini, mokhtar of Aita al-Shaab (district of Bint Jbeil), stated Monday to our correspondent in the South, that the Lebanese Army "has redeployed to two military positions located on the outskirts of the locality, which it previously occupied before evacuating them during the war."
The first position, called Hadab Aita, is located in the al-Hadab area, only a few meters from an Israeli position, the mokhtar specified. The second is situated at the crossroads of the village of al-Qouzah. According to the mokhtar, the army has also redeployed in the center of Aita al- Shaab. He also indicated that the Lebanese Army had removed the flag of the Israeli Golani Brigade that was flying at the site of Hadab Aita.
In coordination with the municipality of Aita al-Shaab, the Lebanese Army has also removed earth embankments and reopened the road leading to the sites of Hadab Aita and Khallet Wardeh, our correspondent in the South reported.
Israel continues to occupy five positions in South Lebanon despite the cease-fire that came into effect on Nov. 27, 2024.
On Monday, the Israeli army opened machine-gun fire from one of its sites (Radar) on the outskirts of Shebaa (district of Hasbaya), according to our correspondent.
On Sunday, two people were killed in Israeli drone strikes in Arnoun (in the Nabatieh district) and on the road between Aita al-Shaab and Debel. More than 170 people have been killed since the truce took effect, in strikes and Israeli fire on Lebanon.
UNIFIL–Lebanese Army cooperation
he United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) announced in a statement on Monday the measures it took to "enhance stability and security for the benefit of the local population in Southern Lebanon" and support the redeployment of the Lebanese army throughout its area of operations.
According to the statement, the joint cooperation between UNIFIL and the army "aims to create a Safe and Secure Environment (SASE), not only for peacekeepers, but also for the civilian communities living north and along the Blue Line."
“Over the past week, UNIFIL's Sector West, in close cooperation with the Lebanese army, carried out a number of field operations to support affected families, facilitate the resumption of economic activities, and accompany the army in essential tasks to support the population,” the statement reads.
UNIFIL listed several activities it carried out in this context:
- Assisted the Lebanese army in debris removal operations in Tayr Harfa (Sour district).
- The Italian battalion accompanied the Lebanese army throughout the cleanup of debris in Tayr Harfa and ensured the security of the site.
- Helped the army in transporting equipment from a local poultry farm to Sour which "contributing to the resumption of production."
- Accompanied the Lebanese army in clearing debris and cleaning up a livestock farm site to support economic recovery in Yaroun (Bint Jbeil district).
- Ghanaian battalion provided security to ensure the safe movement of civilians during construction work in Boustane (Sour district).
- Supported agricultural activities in Ramiyah (Bint Jbeil) as its joint patrols with the Lebanese army carried out plowing, cleaning and planting, allowing farmers to work safely.
- Installed a water pipe in Risha, connecting a damaged house tank to an Lebanese army pond which improved water access to local communities.
- Supported the Lebanese Army carry out debris removal and excavation of a sanitary pit in Um al-Tout, which improved the health situation in the area.
- Provided security to farmers as they worked in the fields of Salha and Ramiyah (Bint Jbeil).
- Supported the Lebanese Army in documenting the damage to a vandalized and destroyed school and provided protection during inspections.
"These activities reflect the commitment of UNIFIL's Sector West and the Lebanese army to improve the living conditions of the local population and contribute to the stabilization of the area. By working side by side, UNIFIL and the Lebanese army emphasize their essential role in implementing U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701 and strengthening trust between communities and the local population", the statement concludes.
Established in 1978 to monitor the withdrawal of Israeli forces following their invasion of Lebanon, UNIFIL is primarily present in the south of the country. Tensions often arise between its patrols and local residents, who are predominantly Hezbollah supporters.
U.N. resolution 1701 refers to the resolution which ended the 2006 war between Hezbollah and Israel and serves as the framework for the cease-fire agreement between these two belligerents that came into effect on Nov. 27, 2024. This resolution significantly increased UNIFIL's role and defined the framework of its action. Article 12 mentions that the "Lebanese government [...] authorizes UNIFIL to take all necessary measures in the areas where its forces are deployed."