IDF Warns 55 Southern Lebanon Settlements Not to Return Home Amid Ceasefire
Col. Avichay Adraee cites ongoing Hezbollah activity as reason for restriction zone extending 4-10 km from border
Quick Look
- The Israel Defense Forces has warned residents of 55 settlements in southern Lebanon against returning to their homes during the fragile ceasefire, citing ongoing Hezbollah terrorist activity.
- The IDF remains deployed in its positions and published an Arabic-language map showing prohibited areas from four to ten kilometers from the Lebanese-Israeli border, including the Litani River area.
- A 10-day ceasefire took effect on April 17, signed by Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with US mediation.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon is the first step toward negotiating a long-term deal between the two countries. The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has been ongoing for months, with the IDF maintaining positions in southern Lebanon despite the truce.
BEIRUT, April 20. /TASS/. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has warned residents of 55 settlements in southern Lebanon against returning to their homes amid the fragile truce. "During the ceasefire agreement, the IDF continues to remain deployed in its positions in southern Lebanon in the face of the ongoing terror activity of Hezbollah," IDF spokesman Col. Avichay Adraee said in a post on X. "Therefore, for your own safety, you should not move to your residential areas until further notice." "In addition, do not approach the Litani River area, Wadi al-Salhani, and Saluki," he added. He also posted an Arabic-language map indicating villages located from four to ten kilometers from the Lebanese-Israeli border where civilians are prohibited from returning. A 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon took effect earlier on April 17. The agreement was signed by Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with US President Donald Trump's mediation. This agreement is seen as the first step toward a negotiating process on a long-term deal between the two countries.
Open Questions
- What specific Hezbollah activities is the IDF citing as justification for the warning?
- Will the 55 settlements be allowed to return after the 10-day ceasefire period?
- What are the terms of the long-term deal being negotiated?
