Israel withdraws from southern Lebanese villages while maintaining five border positions

Israel's army has withdrawn from southern Lebanese villages but remains in five strategic positions along the border. This follows a deadline for withdrawal under a peace deal with Hezbollah that expired on February 18. The Lebanese army is gradually deploying in these areas, but some regions are still unsafe due to explosives and damaged roads. Many displaced residents are waiting for the army's presence before returning home. The ceasefire agreement, brokered by the U.S. and France, required Israel to withdraw while Hezbollah was to pull back north of the Litani River. Lebanese authorities have called for pressure on Israel to complete its withdrawal.