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Hezbollah

Israeli Forces Withdraw from South Lebanon, Leaving Behind Escalating Violence

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Israeli forces on Tuesday pulled out of several villages in the occupied security zone in south Lebanon, marking a significant step towards their planned withdrawal by July 7. The withdrawal allowed hundreds of Lebanese inhabitants to return to their villages for the first time since 1978 and 1982, when Israel first occupied the area. However, the move also saw the surrender of over 275 South Lebanon Army militiamen, some of whom were handed over to Lebanese Army and Hezbollah guerrillas.

Key Takeaways:

  • Israeli forces withdrew from at least 10 villages in the western sector of the border area, including Bint Jbeil, Naqoura, Bayyada, Kounin, and Yareen, marking a significant step towards their planned withdrawal by July 7.
  • The withdrawal allowed hundreds of Lebanese inhabitants to return to their villages for the first time since 1978 and 1982, when Israel first occupied the area.
  • Two-thirds of the Israeli forces pulled out from south Lebanon, leaving an area from Bint Jbeil to the coastline at Naqoura.
  • About 100 SLA militiamen surrendered to the Lebanese Army and resistance guerrillas, while some 175 militiamen surrendered on Monday after their forces evacuated the central sector of the border zone.
  • Israeli forces have been evacuating positions in southern Lebanon as a prelude to their complete pullout, coinciding with continued attacks by Hezbollah guerrillas.
  • The withdrawal comes as Hezbollah guerrillas continued to attack Israeli-SLA positions, with one Hezbollah guerrilla killed in the attacks.

Statistics:

  • 200 Israeli forces pulled out from south Lebanon, with two-thirds of the total forces leaving the area.
  • 275 South Lebanon Army militiamen surrendered, including 175 on Monday and 100 on Tuesday.
  • Israeli forces have 42 remaining days to complete their pullout from south Lebanon before the July 7 deadline.
  • The withdrawal saw hundreds of Lebanese inhabitants return to their villages, marking the first time they have seen their homes since 1978 and 1982.

Sources:

  • "Sidon, Lebanon, May 23 (UPI)"
  • "Copyright 2000 by United Press International. News Provided by COMTEX (http://www.comtexnews.com)"

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