Military withdrawal linked to phased implementation of US-mediated framework
The Israeli army announced on Thursday that its Givati Brigade has completed its combat mission in southern Lebanon after eight months of operations, while Israeli forces continue to maintain a presence in several areas of the country.
In a statement, the military said the brigade formally concluded its deployment during a ceremony at Camp Filon in northern Israel attended by Northern Command chief Maj. Gen. Rafi Milo.
According to the army, the brigade initially conducted border security operations before participating in ground offensives in Khiam, Bint Jbeil and areas north of the Litani River. The military claimed the unit destroyed hundreds of Hezbollah positions, killed numerous fighters and seized more than 1,000 weapons during the campaign.
However, Israeli authorities did not provide a specific reason for ending the brigade’s deployment.
Troop adjustments follow new framework
Israeli media reported that the redeployment forms part of wider operational changes under a US-mediated framework agreement signed between Israel and Lebanon last week.
According to Haaretz, the military has begun partial withdrawals from selected villages as part of field arrangements tied to the agreement. Meanwhile, Yedioth Ahronoth reported that the move reflects political and operational considerations while maintaining what Israel describes as a security buffer zone in southern Lebanon.
Last Saturday, Israeli Army Radio also reported that the military had reduced its deployment in southern Lebanon from five divisions to two following the agreement.
Agreement outlines phased withdrawal
The US-brokered framework, signed by Beirut and Tel Aviv last Friday, provides for a phased Israeli withdrawal beginning with two pilot areas in southern Lebanon.
However, the agreement does not establish a timetable for a complete withdrawal. Instead, further troop reductions remain linked to the Lebanese army assuming security responsibilities in vacated areas and the disarmament of non-state armed groups, including Hezbollah.
Lebanese authorities have stated that Israeli military operations since October 2023 have killed 4,298 people, while diplomatic efforts continue to reduce hostilities and stabilise the border region.
