Today is the day that Israeli troops were supposed to have completed their withdrawal from Lebanon, but that’s not happening. Instead, the IDF set up roadblocks across border towns and roads in a strategic valley in southern Lebanon, reported AP. Israel claims Hezbollah and the Lebanese army haven’t met their obligations, while Lebanon accuses the Israeli army of hindering the Lebanese military from taking over. In a statement on Jan. 25, the Israeli military said the agreement is progressing. But it said in some sectors, “it has been delayed and will take slightly longer.”
The Israeli refusal to withdraw sparked protests among Lebanese civilians. At least three people were reportedly killed and around 30 others injured in southern Lebanon on Jan. 26 when Israeli forces opened fire on protesters who had breached Israeli roadblocks set up a day before, according to Lebanon’s Health Ministry.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said, in a statement addressing the people of southern Lebanon on Jan. 26, that “Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity are non-negotiable, and I am following up on this issue at the highest levels to ensure your rights and dignity.”