Despite a 10-day ceasefire deal taking effect between Israel and Lebanon, the Israeli military has declared that its forces will remain deployed in southern Lebanon. According to Reuters news agency, the military also urged Lebanese residents not to move south of the Litani River, highlighting ongoing tensions in the region.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that he agreed to the ceasefire to advance peace efforts with Lebanon, but emphasized that Israeli troops would not withdraw. In his video address, he claimed that Israel is planning to establish a "security zone" extending 10 kilometers (6 miles) into Lebanon, a move that could escalate conflicts with Iran-backed Hezbollah militants.

The Lebanese government is not actively involved in the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah but is seeking de-escalation and the withdrawal of Israeli troops from southern Lebanon. AFP journalists and AFPTV footage reported gunfire erupting in Beirut's southern suburbs as the ceasefire came into effect at midnight local time, indicating the fragility of the agreement.

Lebanese state media also reported "heavy gunfire" at the start of the 10-day truce, which was allegedly announced earlier by US President Donald Trump. Despite officials' warnings, displaced families began moving toward southern Lebanon and Beirut's southern suburbs, raising security concerns.

Netanyahu purportedly said the ceasefire offers an opportunity for a "historic peace agreement" with Beirut, but the retention of Israeli troops casts doubt on this prospect. Iran's Foreign Ministry welcomed the truce, calling it part of an earlier two-week ceasefire deal between Tehran and the US, underscoring the involvement of the US regime in regional affairs.

Source: www.dw.com