‘Deployed Temporarily’: IDF Details Lebanon Lookout Posts It Will Keep Post-Withdrawal

Latest Developments

• Pullout Nearly Complete: Ahead of its February 18 deadline to withdraw from southern Lebanon, the IDF said that it would withdraw the majority of its troops from south Lebanon per the terms of the ceasefire agreement, handing over former Hezbollah strongholds to the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF). The pullout, however, will not include five U.S.-approved elevated positions just inside Lebanese territory that the IDF intends to keep in order to monitor potential invasions by Hezbollah similar to the October 7, 2023 Hamas mass assault in southern Israel. IDF Spokesperson Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani said that “small amounts of troops” would be “deployed temporarily” throughout the five posts, which are located opposite the northern Israeli communities of Shlomi, Zarit, Avivim, Margaliot and Metula.
• Veiled Hezbollah Threat: Israel’s plan to retain the five positions was discussed well in advance with the United States, which brokered the Lebanon ceasefire in force since November 27. Confirmation of the IDF’s continued deployment in south Lebanon drew a veiled threat from Hezbollah leader Naim Qasem, who said in a February 16 televised speech that “Everyone knows how to deal with occupiers.” Joseph Aoun, Lebanon’s new Western-backed president, offered more measured misgivings, saying on February 17 that “we are afraid that a complete withdrawal will not be achieved tomorrow,” and adding “the Lebanese response will be through a unified, comprehensive national position.”
• Hamas’s Lebanon Commander Killed: In a February 17 air strike in the Lebanese town of Sidon, the IDF killed Muhammad Shaheen, head of Hamas’ operations department in Lebanon. The IDF said he had been planning Iranian-funded and directed terror attacks on Israel from Lebanese territory, and took part in planning rocket attacks against Israeli civilians during the war.

FDD Expert Response

“Lebanon—and certainly Hezbollah—has never formally recognized its border with Israel. Just two years ago, Beirut went to great lengths to emphasize that its maritime demarcation deal with the Jewish state did not imply recognition of Israel’s sovereignty. So now, in the midst of a fragile ceasefire, no one should feign outrage over Israel holding onto a few hundred yards of strategic high ground in Lebanon. When facing a terrorist army like Hezbollah and a Lebanese government that barely governs, Israel not only has the tactical advantage—it holds the moral high ground as well.” — Mark Dubowitz, CEO

“In this complex, multi-front war, Israel made a clear commitment: ensuring that the tens of thousands of northern residents forced from their homes by Hezbollah’s attacks can return with a real sense of security. But security is more than just physical defense, it’s the confidence that those defenses will hold. With many northern communities still rebuilding and some residents reluctant to return, Israel’s actions at the border send an unmistakable message: the days of Hezbollah dictating life in the north are over.” — Joe Truzman, Senior Research Analyst and Editor at FDD’s Long War Journal

“Israel’s establishment of five positions inside Lebanese territory is a strategic move to safeguard its northern communities. However, Hezbollah will likely exploit this as a pretext to justify retaining its weapons, as it has done in the past with the Shebaa Farms/Har Dov, the hills of Kfar Chouba and the ‘7 villages’ in northern Israel, in order to legitimize its existence as an armed group.” — Ahmad Sharawi, Research Analyst

FDD Background and Analysis

“‘Israel Will Do What It Has To Do’: Hezbollah Hit As Withdrawal Deadline Nears”, FDD Flash Brief

“Lebanon Ceasefire Between Hezbollah and Israel Extended to February 18,” FDD Flash Brief

“Israel-Hezbollah Ceasefire Begins in Lebanon,” by Seth J. Frantzman