DEIR MIMAS, Lebanon — As per a U.S.-mediated ceasefire agreement, Israeli forces completed their withdrawal on Tuesday. However, they maintained a presence at five strategically important locations within Lebanon.
Leading Lebanese figures condemned Israel’s continued military presence, characterizing it as an occupation and a breach of the agreement. The troops’ continued presence also angered the Hezbollah militant group, prompting calls for governmental action.
Lebanese troops moved into areas vacated by Israeli forces, clearing roadblocks, and searching for unexploded ordnance. They temporarily blocked access to the villages for security purposes while conducting explosive sweeps.
Villagers largely awaited authorization to return to their homes, though some bypassed roadblocks. In other areas, the army allowed residents immediate access.
Many homes were destroyed during the protracted conflict, with further damage occurring in the two months following November’s ceasefire.
In Kfar Kila, residents were shocked by the extensive destruction.
“The devastation is unbelievable. I’m in shock,” stated Khodo Suleiman, a construction contractor, surveying his ruined home.
“There’s nothing left,” added Suleiman, who had last visited six months prior. “I feel both happiness and pain.”
In the village square, Lebanese troops and a military bulldozer cleared debris from the streets.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that the Israeli army would remain in a Lebanese buffer zone at five checkpoints to prevent ceasefire violations by Hezbollah. He also mentioned the construction of new Israeli border posts and troop reinforcements.
“We are committed to ensuring the complete safety of every northern community,” Katz affirmed.
Lebanon’s president, prime minister, and parliament speaker issued a joint statement, declaring Israel’s continued presence at the five locations a violation of the ceasefire agreement. They urged the U.N. Security Council to intervene for a full Israeli withdrawal.
“Israel’s continued presence on any Lebanese territory is an occupation, with all the legal implications under international law,” the statement read.
The U.N. special coordinator for Lebanon, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, and the head of the U.N. peacekeeping force, Lt. Gen. Aroldo Lázaro, also criticized the Israeli troop presence in a joint statement.
However, they cautioned against letting this overshadow the positive progress achieved since the ceasefire.
Near Deir Mimas and Kfar Kila, hundreds of villagers gathered Tuesday morning under the surveillance of an Israeli drone.
Atef Arabi, waiting with his family, eagerly anticipated seeing his home in Kfar Kila.
“I’m overjoyed to return, even if my house is destroyed,” said the 36-year-old mechanic. “If it’s ruined, I’ll rebuild it.”
Later, Kfar Kila’s mayor, Hassan Sheet, informed the Associated Press that 90% of homes were completely destroyed, with the remaining 10% damaged. “There are no buildings standing,” he stated, indicating that rebuilding would start from scratch.
The Lebanese militant group Hezbollah initiated cross-border rocket fire on October 8, 2023, following a deadly incident. Israel retaliated with shelling and airstrikes, escalating the conflict into full-scale war last September.
At the conflict’s peak, over 4,000 Lebanese were killed, and more than 1 million displaced, with over 100,000 unable to return. On the Israeli side, dozens died, and around 60,000 were displaced.
Hussein Fares left Kfar Kila in October 2023, eventually relocating to Sidon due to intensified fighting.
Kfar Kila experienced heavy fighting, with Israeli troops subsequently demolishing many homes.
“I’ve waited a year and a half to return,” said Fares, a laborer. He acknowledged that reconstruction would be a lengthy process.
“I’ve been counting down the seconds for this day,” he concluded.
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Associated Press writer Tia Goldenberg in Jerusalem contributed to this report.