The Lebanese army withdrew troops from a base in Kfar Tebnit, a village in southern Lebanon, as Israeli forces advanced nearby. The Lebanese military official provided details under anonymity due to regulations. The withdrawal followed Israel’s evacuation warnings for about 20 locations, including the city of Nabatiyeh.
The National News Agency of Lebanon reported airstrikes in various villages near Nabatiyeh, killing two people in Deir al-Zahrani. Nabatiyeh faced artillery shelling on Saturday, heightening tensions in the region.
A strategic point, Ali Taher hill, overlooks Nabatiyeh and key roads. Israeli troops have targeted this area, maintaining control of the hill for 18 years until withdrawing in 2000. Israel’s current push reflects efforts to reclaim strategic positions.
On the diplomatic front, Pakistan’s prime minister indicated progress in talks between the United States and Iran for a Middle East peace agreement, with mediators assisting. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated both sides are crafting an initial agreement to cease hostilities, including in Lebanon.
Senior Hezbollah official Hussein Haj Hassan mentioned Iranian officials notified them Lebanon is included in prospective ceasefire discussions. As the major backer of Hezbollah, Iran supplies the group with weapons and financial support. Despite a ceasefire declared on April 17, conflict persists between Israel and Hezbollah.
Israel’s occupation of southern Lebanon and clashes with Hezbollah have resulted in civilian casualties and infrastructure damage. Hezbollah, excluded from the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, conducts regular attacks using rockets and drones.
The conflict saw renewed violence on March 2 following Hezbollah’s rocket fire into northern Israel, two days after joint U.S.-Israel operations against Iran. Casualties continue to rise, with over 3,700 deaths in Lebanon, according to the Health Ministry. Israel reports 30 soldiers and a defense contractor killed, alongside civilian casualties in northern Israel.