Ankara: The Israeli military confirmed that its forces will remain in five strategic posts in southern Lebanon beyond the February 18 withdrawal deadline. This decision follows an earlier extension of the withdrawal deadline, originally set for January 26, under a ceasefire agreement with Beirut.

According to Anadolu Agency, the Israeli military has stated that the five positions 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. These posts will continue to be manned by Israeli troops, while forces will be withdrawn from other Lebanese towns and villages.

Israeli Army Radio reported that the military has already deployed forces to these posts in anticipation of a prolonged stay. The army aims to maintain a presence at these sites to provide "preemptive and frontline defense for the towns of the Galilee." The Salam Mountain range, also known as the Labbouneh area, is one of the strategic locations that offers a broader view of Lebanese territory.

The Blat Mountain range, the third post facing Avivim and Al-Malkiyya, and the hills overlooking Margaliot are also considered strategically significant for regional defense. The fifth post, the Hamames Mountain range, provides a vantage point over the Israeli town of Metula and Lebanon's Khiam area.

In addition to these positions, the Israeli army is constructing military sites within Israeli territory across each settlement. The troop presence along the Lebanon border is expected to be approximately three times larger than before the conflict.

As part of the withdrawal agreement, the Israeli army announced that Lebanese citizens would be allowed to return to villages they had left in recent months, including Kfarkela, Odaisseh, Houla, and Maiss el-Jabal.

Despite the ceasefire in place since November 27, tension remains high. Last week, Lebanese officials rejected Israel's demand to maintain a presence in the five locations beyond the withdrawal deadline. On Sunday, Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem insisted that Israel must complete its withdrawal by February 18, emphasizing that the occupation army should have no positions or presence in southern Lebanon.

The ceasefire has not completely halted hostilities, with Israel reportedly committing nearly 1,000 violations, resulting in casualties, including women and children, in Lebanon.