The Israel Defense Forces on Monday confirmed troops will remain deployed in five strategic positions in southern Lebanon after Tuesday’s deadline for their withdrawal.

Under a ceasefire deal brokered by the United States in November, Israeli troops were granted 60 days to withdraw from southern Lebanon, where they had waged a ground offensive against fighters from Lebanon’s Hezbollah terror group since early October.

Hezbollah operatives were to leave the zone and Lebanese troops were to deploy in the area within the same period. The original deadline had already been extended from January 26 until February 18.

Last week, the US authorized the IDF to remain in the five points, though it was not clear how long troops would stay there.

The military said it was prepared to stay at the posts for a lengthy period, until Hezbollah fully withdraws beyond the Litani River and the Israeli political leadership instructs it to leave.

At the five positions, the IDF constructed military posts that would be manned by troops.

The posts are located at a hill near Labbouneh, across from the the Israeli border town of Shlomi; the Jabal Blat peak, across from Zar’it; a hill across from Avivim and Malkia; a hill across from Margaliot; and a hill across from Metula.

None of the posts are located within built-up areas of Lebanon. The IDF will withdraw from all Lebanese border villages and towns by Tuesday.

The IDF also ramped up its defenses on the Israeli side of the border, with several new posts, one in front of every Israeli border community; better surveillance capabilities,........

© The Times of Israel