The IDF Spokesperson in Arabic published a warning today (Monday) to residents of southern Lebanese villages not to approach IDF-held areas until the army says they have left.
In his statement, the Spokesperson said that:
To the people of Lebanon, especially the people of southern Lebanon.
The IDF has recently redeployed to various locations in southern Lebanon, in accordance with the ceasefire agreement, with the aim of enabling the gradual and effective deployment of the Lebanese army, and dismantling and removing the terrorist Hezbollah, with its elements and infrastructure, from southern Lebanon.
The implementation of the agreement continues, as the deployment process is taking place gradually, and in some areas it is postponed and requires more time in order to ensure that Hezbollah is not able to re-establish its strength in the field.
Hezbollah, as usual, puts its narrow interests above the interests of the Lebanese state and tries through its mouthpieces to heat up the situation, despite being the main reason for the destruction of the south.
In the near future, we will continue this approach and will inform you about the places to which we can return. Until then, we ask you to wait, and not allow Hezbollah to return and exploit you in an attempt to cover up the devastating repercussions of its irresponsible decisions at the expense of the security of the State of Lebanon.
Until further notice, all previously published instructions remain in effect.
The warning comes following a deadly clash yesterday, in which Hezbollah activists and south Lebanese residents tried to force their way into IDF-held territory despite warnings not to do so. When the army identified the mob as a threat, they opened fire, killing over 20 people and injuring over 100.
The clash was initiated yesterday due to the expiration of the 60-day deadline for IDF evacuation, which the IDF said was not enough to ensure the Lebanese Army was properly deployed and truly demilitarizing southern Lebanon of all non-state manpower and weapons - including Hezbollah.
The Trump administration has meantime agreed to allow the ceasefire to extend to February 18, per Israel's request.
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