INTERNATIONAL

Amid rising tensions, IDF to withdraw from Lebanon within a week: Report

By News Desk

October 31, 2024

Suffering massive losses in southern Lebanon, Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) are mulling to withdraw from southern Lebanon within a week under the supervision of the U.S. and international bodies.

The draft of the agreement, reportedly prepared by Amos Hochstein, was shared by Israeli state broadcaster KAN on Wednesday evening.

The proposed agreement would bring United Nations Resolution 1701 fully into effect, prohibiting Hezbollah and other armed groups in southern Lebanon from taking action against Israel.

According to the draft, the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) would be the only authorized military presence in the region, with UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon) providing additional oversight.

The document also specifies that Israel would refrain from launching offensive operations in Lebanon, including attacks on military or government targets.

Furthermore, the Lebanese government would monitor all weapons sales and production within the country.

The IDF withdrawal would see the LAF take control of southern Lebanon, with the process overseen by the U.S. and international agencies to ensure stability.

Amid massive losses, Hezbollah claimed on October 29 that its fighters had killed over 90 Israeli troops in recent ground confrontations.

The group also reported destroying military equipment and intensifying their daily operations. Despite repeated attempts by the IDF to advance, Hezbollah asserted that its fighters successfully repelled multiple incursions.

This escalation underscores the deepening tensions and ongoing military engagement as both sides face significant conflict on the ground.

This draft agreement marks a potential step toward de-escalation, though it remains to be seen if it will be officially accepted and implemented.