Israeli forces advance toward Lebanese town for 1st time despite cease-fire

ISTANBUL

Israeli forces staged an incursion into the town of Beit Lif in southern Lebanon on Thursday, in the latest violation of a cease-fire deal, Lebanese media said.

The state news agency NNA said an Israeli patrol backed by tanks, military vehicles, and a bulldozer moved into the outskirts of the town in Bint Jbeil district.

It was the first time for Israeli forces to advance toward the town since the cease-fire deal with Lebanon came into force on Nov. 27.

The latest breach brought the number of Israeli violations of the cease-fire deal to 336, according to an Anadolu tally based on figures released by the Lebanese authorities.

Under the cease-fire terms, Israel is required to withdraw its forces south of the Blue Line - a de facto border - in phases, while the Lebanese army is to deploy in southern Lebanon within 60 days.

Data from the Lebanese Health Ministry indicates that since Israel’s onslaught against Lebanon began on Oct. 8, 2023, at least 4,063 victims have been killed, including women, children, and health workers, while 16,664 others have been injured.

*Writing by Ahmed Asmar