Israel’s military announced it will maintain forces in five strategic locations in southern Lebanon despite a ceasefire deadline with Hezbollah, sparking frustration from Lebanese officials. The decision comes as the region marks 500 days of the Israel-Hamas war, with both the Gaza ceasefire and Lebanon situation facing uncertainty.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun expressed strong opposition to the continued Israeli presence, stating that “the Israeli enemy cannot be trusted.” Meanwhile, tensions escalated when an Israeli drone struck a car in Sidon, targeting a Hamas operations leader in Lebanon — the deepest strike inside Lebanese territory since the ceasefire began.

In Gaza, negotiations for the second phase of the ceasefire remain stalled. The current phase, which ends in less than two weeks, has seen Hamas releasing 33 hostages in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. The second phase would involve the release of more than 70 remaining hostages, though half are believed to be deceased.

The conflict’s toll has been severe, with Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, attack killing approximately 1,200 people and taking 250 hostages. Israel’s response has resulted in more than 48,000 Palestinian deaths according to the Hamas-run Health Ministry, with widespread destruction of infrastructure.

Additionally, the anti-settlement group Peace Now reported that Israel has issued tenders for nearly 1,000 new settler homes in the West Bank’s Efrat settlement, potentially expanding its population by 40% and affecting the development of neighboring Bethlehem.

The five strategic locations Israel will maintain in Lebanon are:

• Positions overlooking northern Israeli communities, protecting approximately 60,000 displaced Israeli citizens.

• Vantage points providing strategic observation of Lebanese territory.

• Buffer zone areas meant to be patrolled by the Lebanese army and United Nations peacekeepers.

• Locations approved by the U.S.-led monitoring body overseeing the truce.

• Strategic positions that Israel claims are necessary for a “gradual” withdrawal that ensures civilian security.

Read more: Israel says its forces will remain in 5 Lebanon locations after Tuesday’s withdrawal deadline

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