Israel's army is leaving Lebanon, but it's also holding 5 key posts – with no plans to let go

Ahead of tomorrow's expected withdrawal of IDF forces from southern Lebanese villages, with forces remaining at only five points in Lebanese territory, the IDF has published the locations of the new outposts that will provide forward defense for Galilee communities (with accompanying map):

1. On the Sulam Ridge, above the town of Shlomi. A position that provides broader surveillance of Lebanese territory and according to the IDF will significantly contribute to Shlomi's defense.

2. On Jabal Blat - the ridge overlooking the towns of Shtula and Zarit, at the location where the Karkom outpost was situated during the Security Zone period.

3. On the Shaked Ridge - above the towns of Avivim and Malki'a, an outpost overlooking the Ramim Ridge and the nearby areas of Aytaroun and Bint Jbeil.

4. On the Tzvoni Ridge - above the town of Margaliot. A position defined by the IDF as highly significant for strengthening the area's defense.

5. On the Hamamis Ridge - the ridge overlooking Metulla and the Khiam area in southern Lebanon.

The IDF states they are "preparing for a long-term presence" at these five points until it's confirmed that there is no more Hezbollah activity south of the Litani. This may require a presence of several months. Each outpost will be held by a company-sized force, and the IDF is preparing to defend these new positions in Lebanese territory and thwart potential threats against them.

In parallel to the outposts inside Lebanese territory, the IDF is also establishing outposts within Israeli territory - using a defense strategy of "an outpost opposite every community."

According to the IDF, the force deployment along the Lebanese border will be almost three times larger than before the war.

Ahead of tomorrow's withdrawal, the military emphasizes: in all areas where forces operated - 5-8 km from the border - "terror infrastructure has been completely destroyed, and the area is clear of weapons at very high percentages."

The IDF says that under the agreement's terms and withdrawal, Lebanese and Shiite civilians will be permitted to return tomorrow to all the villages they left in recent months - Kfar Kila, Adaisseh, Houla, Mis al-Jabal. It's estimated there will be attempts to hold processions and possibly disturbances near the border, with Hezbollah flags, but the military emphasizes: "They will find destroyed and ruined villages, and won't be able to approach the barrier - we will enforce this."