The Israeli military has withdrawn from Khiam, a southern Lebanese town, under a ceasefire agreement aimed at de-escalating tensions with Hezbollah. The Lebanese army and UN peacekeepers have taken over control of the area, according to Israeli media reports.
Israeli public broadcaster KAN confirmed the withdrawal, stating that Lebanese army forces, in coordination with UNIFIL, deployed in five positions around Khiam. The truce mandates Israel to retreat its forces south of the Blue Line—a de facto border—in a phased manner, while the Lebanese army is required to secure southern Lebanon within 60 days.
US Central Command (CENTCOM) chief Gen. Michael Kurilla visited Beirut to observe the Lebanese army’s deployment in Khiam following the Israeli withdrawal. During his visit, Gen. Kurilla met with Lebanese army chief Joseph Aoun to discuss ongoing efforts for a sustainable cessation of hostilities between the two nations.
The ceasefire, effective since November 27, seeks to end 14 months of conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.The fighting has led to over 4,000 deaths, 16,500 injuries, and the displacement of more than 1 million people in Lebanon since October 2023, according to Lebanese health authorities.
