Lebanese Army says it is keeping soldiers in south Lebanon villages from which it withdrew Tuesday

The day after its withdrawal from several border towns in southern Lebanon, the Lebanese Army said Wednesday it is keeping soldiers in those villages and denounced criticism directed at it.

"Following the escalation of Israeli aggression against Lebanon, particularly in areas facing enemy incursions around border localities, which result in encircling, isolating, and cutting off supply lines to deployed units, the army carried out a redeployment and repositioning operation that included a number of these units," it said in a statement. Army command "will continue to support residents as much as possible by keeping a group of soldiers in these localities," it added.

As Israeli attacks continue "indiscriminately against both military personnel and civilians in different regions," the army also highlighted "the seriousness" of the criticism it has faced, which "calls its role into question," whether in the media or on social networks. Warning against "internal tensions" that could result from such criticism, it said it is fulfilling its duty "within the limits of the means available, in a context of intense pressure and significant challenges."

The army issued this statement after withdrawing Tuesday from the border towns of Rmeish, Ain Ibl, and Braasheet in the Bint Jbeil district, as well as Beit Yahoun in the Nabatieh district, according to information from our south Lebanon correspondent. The decision has drawn sharp criticism, especially from residents who remained in place despite Israeli attacks and the ongoing invasion south of the Litani.

Meanwhile, Interior Minister Ahmad Hajjar stated on Wednesday, during the daily government meeting held since the start of the war, that members of the Internal Security Forces (ISF) are still present in the border villages.

The ministers also stated that they are working to establish supply lines for these areas.

L'armée libanaise affirme maintenir des soldats dans les villages du Liban-Sud dont elle s'est retirée mardi