Arabic-language spokesman for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), Avichai Edri, issued a warning to Lebanese residents about a ban on movement south of the Litani River until Thursday morning.
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“For your safety and the safety of your loved ones, you are prohibited from moving south towards the villages that the IDF has asked to evacuate or towards IDF forces in the area. Any movement towards these areas puts you at risk. We inform you that from 17:00 tonight until 07.00 tomorrow morning there is an absolute ban on movement south of the Litani River,” Edri said on his page on the social network X.
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An IDF spokesman explained that residents north of the Litani River are prohibited from moving south, while those south of the Litani River must remain where they are.
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“We remind you that the IDF remains stationed in its positions in southern Lebanon in accordance with the terms of the ceasefire agreement, and our forces will act firmly against any movement that violates this directive,” Edry stressed.
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On Tuesday evening, the Israeli military-political cabinet approved a ceasefire agreement with Lebanon by an absolute majority. It came into force on Wednesday night. Thus, for the first time in 13 months of continuous armed escalation, a “regime of silence” was established between the conflicting parties.
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Before the approval, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the nation, during which he explained the need for a ceasefire on the northern front, emphasizing that in the event of any violation of the truce by the Lebanese Hezbollah movement, Israel will respond and resume hostilities.
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According to the settlement plan proposed by the United States, over the next 60 days the Lebanese army should occupy territories in the south of the country, and Hezbollah forces and infrastructure should be withdrawn north of the Litani River, which in different areas flows 20-30 kilometers from the border with Israel. During this time, Israel must completely withdraw its armed forces from the territory of the neighboring country.
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The agreement provides for the creation of an international oversight committee led by the United States to monitor its implementation and eliminate violations. The United States agreed to provide guarantees to Israel that include support for Israeli military action against imminent threats from Lebanese territory, as well as actions to curb the possible restoration of Hezbollah’s military presence in southern Lebanon.
