Lebanese Army Withdraws from Southern Village as Israeli Forces Advance
Lebanese military withdrew troops from Kfar Tebnit after Israeli forces advanced nearby, amid reports of potential U.S.-Iran agreement to end regional conflict.
The Lebanese army withdrew its troops from a base in the southern village of Kfar Tebnit on Saturday after Israeli forces advanced in the surrounding area, according to a senior Lebanese military official who spoke on condition of anonymity.
The withdrawal came as Israeli forces appeared to target the strategic Ali Taher hill on the edge of Kfar Tebnit, which overlooks large portions of the nearby city of Nabatiyeh and connecting roads. Israeli troops previously held this position for 18 years until their withdrawal from Lebanon in May 2000.
The Israeli military issued evacuation warnings for approximately 20 locations, including Nabatiyeh and surrounding villages. Lebanon's state-run National News Agency reported airstrikes on Saturday in villages near Nabatiyeh, with one strike killing two people in Deir al-Zahrani. The agency also reported artillery shelling of Nabatiyeh.
Hezbollah fighters responded with several attacks on Saturday, including a morning drone strike targeting Israeli troops on the edge of Kfar Tebnit. Later, an Israeli drone seriously wounded a Lebanese soldier traveling on a road between Nabatiyeh and the village of Kfar Rumman.
The military activity occurred amid reports of diplomatic progress toward ending the regional conflict. Pakistan's prime minister stated that the United States and Iran have agreed on wording for an agreement to end their war in the Middle East. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told state television that both sides were working toward an initial agreement declaring an end to the war "on all fronts, including Lebanon."
The current fighting began on March 2 when Hezbollah fired rockets into northern Israel, two days after U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran began. According to official figures, more than 3,700 people have been killed in Lebanon, while 30 Israeli soldiers, one defense contractor, and two civilians have died on the Israeli side. Despite a ceasefire agreement that took effect April 17 and has been renewed several times, both sides continue military operations.