Key Takeaways:

• Israeli forces have withdrawn from most southern Lebanese villages but are maintaining a presence in five strategic locations.
• The retention of these positions amid a ceasefire deadline raises concerns about renewed conflict in the region.
• Lebanon's government calls the continued Israeli presence an "occupation," urging UN intervention to ensure full withdrawal.
• Heavy destruction in border areas poses significant challenges for returning residents after over a year of hostilities.
• The situation further complicates efforts for regional stability as both Israel and Lebanon prepare for potential clashes.

Israel has confirmed that its military will maintain troops at five critical positions in southern Lebanon, even as the established February 18 withdrawal deadline has passed. This decision coincided with the deterioration of the fragile ceasefire agreed upon following extensive hostilities that lasted over a year. Despite a significant pullback, the presence of Israeli forces in these strategic locations is a protective measure aimed at ensuring the safety of Israeli communities.

The ceasefire, brokered by the U.S. in November, mandated not only the withdrawal of Israeli forces but also required Hezbollah to retreat from southern Lebanon, a condition that remains unfulfilled. Israeli officials have stated that they will only consider full withdrawal once the Lebanese Armed Forces have effectively taken over the region and disarmed Hezbollah. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz reiterated that the troops would act against any perceived violations by Hezbollah, stating, "We will continue to act forcefully and uncompromisingly against any Hezbollah violation" Channel News Asia.

The Lebanese government has expressed strong opposition to the ongoing Israeli presence, deeming it as an occupation, with President Joseph Aoun asserting that the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces is imperative. In a recent joint statement, Lebanese leaders called upon the United Nations Security Council to intervene, emphasizing that “any Israeli presence on Lebanese territory must end” Al Jazeera.

Residents of the border areas, having endured the aftermath of extensive destruction, are beginning to return home, often to find their properties significantly damaged. Many express determination to rebuild despite the uncertainties posed by the current military tensions. “The entire village has been reduced to rubble. It’s a disaster zone,” lamented local resident Alaa al-Zein, who returned to Kfar Kila, a village heavily impacted during the conflict. The demand for reconstruction has surged, with estimated costs soaring over $10 billion as more than 100,000 remain displaced SCMP.

As both Israel and Lebanese authorities navigate this sensitive environment, calls for Hezbollah's disarmament continue to grow, amid fears that the group’s military capacity poses a lasting threat to regional stability. The United Nations peacekeeping operations, which are to patrol the region alongside Lebanese military forces, have also been caught in the crossfire of maintaining order amidst this ongoing conflict. Both sides have been urged to respect the ceasefire to foster a more stable environment VOA News.

Please refer to the full articles here: NY Times, Le Monde, The Jakarta Post, Reuters.