Israeli advance prompts Lebanese army withdrawal near Nabatiyeh

The Lebanese army withdrew from a military position in southern Lebanon on Saturday after Israeli forces moved closer to the area, adding another layer of tension to an already volatile border region.

The Lebanese army withdrew from a military position in southern Lebanon after Israeli forces moved closer to the area, adding another layer of tension to an already volatile border region. The withdrawal took place from a military barracks in the village of Kfar Tebnit, located near the southern city of Nabatiyeh, as clashes and military operations continued despite repeated ceasefire efforts.

According to a senior Lebanese military official, troops left the base after Israeli forces carried out an incursion nearby. While authorities did not provide detailed information about the movement of Israeli troops, reports suggest that the military may be attempting to secure strategically important locations before any wider regional agreement comes into effect. Observers believe Israel is trying to strengthen its position on the ground amid growing diplomatic efforts aimed at ending conflicts linked to the wider Middle East crisis.

The development came shortly after the Israeli military issued evacuation warnings covering around 20 locations across southern Lebanon. The warnings included Nabatiyeh and several surrounding villages, prompting concerns among residents already living under the threat of ongoing violence. Airstrikes and artillery attacks were reported in multiple areas throughout the day. Lebanese state media said an Israeli strike in the village of Deir al-Zahrani killed two people, while artillery shelling was reported around Nabatiyeh.

Military analysts believe Israeli troops may be attempting to reach the Ali Taher hill, a strategically important high point overlooking large parts of Nabatiyeh and key roads connecting nearby communities. The hill has long held military significance. Israeli forces maintained control of the position for nearly two decades before withdrawing from southern Lebanon in 2000. Any attempt to regain control of the area would provide a valuable observation point and improve military oversight across a wide section of southern Lebanon.

Meanwhile, Hezbollah announced that its fighters carried out several attacks against Israeli forces during the day. One operation reportedly involved two drones targeting Israeli troops near Kfar Tebnit. The group has increasingly relied on advanced drone technology during the conflict, including fiber optic controlled drones that are less vulnerable to electronic interference. Hezbollah claims these weapons have inflicted losses on Israeli forces during recent months of fighting.

The security situation remains highly unstable despite a ceasefire agreement that officially came into effect in April and has since been renewed several times. Although the agreement was intended to reduce hostilities, both sides have continued military operations. Israel maintains a presence in parts of southern Lebanon and regularly carries out strikes against Hezbollah positions. In response, Hezbollah has launched rockets and drones toward Israeli territory, keeping tensions high along the border.

Further violence was reported later on Saturday when an Israeli drone targeted a Lebanese soldier near a hospital in Nabatiyeh. The first strike missed its target, but a second drone attack later hit the soldier while he was traveling on a road connecting Nabatiyeh with the nearby village of Kfar Rumman. Lebanese military officials said the soldier suffered serious injuries.

The latest escalation comes as diplomatic efforts intensify between the United States and Iran. Officials from both countries have indicated that discussions are underway regarding a possible agreement aimed at ending conflicts across the region. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi recently stated that negotiations were progressing toward an initial deal that would address fighting on several fronts, including Lebanon. Hezbollah officials have also confirmed that Iranian representatives informed them that Lebanon would likely be included in any future ceasefire arrangement.

The current conflict began in early March when Hezbollah launched rockets into northern Israel following the outbreak of hostilities involving Iran, Israel, and the United States. Since then, the fighting has claimed a heavy human toll. Lebanese authorities report that more than 3,700 people have been killed during the conflict, while dozens of Israeli soldiers and civilians have also lost their lives. As diplomatic negotiations continue behind the scenes, residents on both sides of the border remain caught in a conflict that shows few signs of ending in the immediate future.