Israeli forces have initiated their first withdrawal from the town of Al-Khiam in southern Lebanon, marking a significant step in the implementation of a ceasefire agreement facilitated by U.S. mediation.
The Lebanese Armed Forces have taken over positions previously held by Israel, with the deployment coordinated alongside the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed the development, with General Erik Kurilla overseeing the transition.
He described the move as an “important first step” toward establishing a durable cessation of hostilities.
Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati hailed the troop deployment as a pivotal step toward strengthening stability in the South, in line with the ceasefire agreement reached on November 27, 2024.
The Israeli military announced the conclusion of its 7th Brigade’s mission in Al-Khiam. Meanwhile, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin affirmed U.S. support for the ceasefire in discussions with his Israeli counterpart, emphasizing its potential to restore calm and enable displaced residents to return to their homes.
The ceasefire agreement requires the Lebanese army and UN peacekeepers to secure southern Lebanon while Israel completes its withdrawal over the next 60 days.
Hezbollah is also obligated to withdraw its forces north of the Litani River and dismantle its military infrastructure in the region.
Although the truce has largely held, both Israel and Hezbollah have reported occasional violations since its enactment.
The agreement comes after a year of heightened tensions and cross-border exchanges, intensified by Hezbollah’s support for Hamas following the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel.
