Israel confirms troops will stay at five positions in southern Lebanon

Israel's Defense Minister Israel Katz announced that troops will stay at five positions in southern Lebanon, despite a pullout deadline. This decision follows a truce with Hezbollah that has been in place since late November. Katz stated that the military will act against any violations by Hezbollah. He emphasized the need for security for Israeli communities and called for Hezbollah to withdraw beyond the Litani River. The ceasefire agreement, brokered by the U.S. and France, required the Lebanese military to deploy alongside UN peacekeepers. Katz indicated that Israel's withdrawal would depend on Hezbollah's compliance with the terms of the agreement.