Israel announces partial withdrawal from Lebanon, retains troops at five sites

Israel is withdrawing its army from Lebanon by a ceasefire deadline, but will keep troops at five strategic locations. This decision has drawn protests from the Lebanese government, which opposes the delayed full withdrawal. Most Israeli ground troops have returned home after transferring control to the Lebanese Armed Forces. However, forces will remain near northern Israeli communities, pending assurances of security from Lebanon. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has criticized the partial withdrawal. The U.S.-brokered truce requires Hezbollah to be disarmed, but Israel has accused the group of not cooperating, leading to an extended deadline for the pullout.