Lebanese army forces redeploy in south after Israeli incursion

BEIRUT, Lebanon / ISTANBUL

Lebanon’s army redeployed its forces at several points along the southern border with Israel on Wednesday, two days after Tel Aviv launched a ground incursion into Lebanese territory.

A military statement said the move comes “in light of continued Israeli attacks on various regions, and the Israeli incursion into Lebanese territory in a blatant violation of international resolutions and Lebanese sovereignty.”

The army said it is continuing coordination with the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and the ceasefire oversight committee to halt the Israeli attacks.

It said army forces redeployed at some border points “within their designated areas of responsibility, given the limited capabilities available,” along with “taking exceptional measures to maintain security and prevent armed displays in various regions."

The army also said it reinforced its forces along the country’s eastern border in coordination with Syrian authorities.

Earlier Wednesday, the Israeli army deployed forces near the main municipal building in the border town of Khiam as part of a ground incursion in southern Lebanon.

At least 72 people were killed and nearly 450 others injured in a series of Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon since Monday, following rocket fire by Hezbollah.

Israel has repeatedly violated a ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah, signed in November 2024, carrying out near-daily strikes that have left hundreds dead and wounded.

Israel began its offensive against Lebanon in October 2023 and escalated it into a full-scale war in September 2024, killing more than 4,000 people and wounding about 17,000.

*Writing by Rania Abushamala in Istanbul.