On June 4, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stated that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) would remain deployed in the so-called "buffer zone" in southern Lebanon to protect residents near the northern border.
Gallant added, "The return of hundreds of thousands of southern Lebanese residents who left their homes after the fighting in March will not be permitted for the time being."
He also asserted that Israel would continue to eliminate Hezbollah's military infrastructure within Lebanon, claiming, "Israel retains the freedom to act against attacks on its communities and territory, including striking Beirut."
On the same day, the IDF urged residents of southern Lebanon to evacuate as airstrikes targeting Hezbollah facilities continued. Avichai Adraee, the IDF's Arabic spokesperson, warned in a statement, "The fighting in southern Lebanon targeting Hezbollah around you is ongoing," urging residents to evacuate.
Lebanon's National News Agency reported that several areas in the south were bombarded by Israeli forces earlier that morning.
Previously, Israel and Lebanon had agreed to a new ceasefire under U.S. mediation. According to the agreement, Hezbollah, which did not directly participate in the talks, is to cease attacks on Israel and withdraw its forces from areas south of the Litani River in southern Lebanon.
The agreement also stipulates that the Lebanese Armed Forces will exercise exclusive control over the areas in southern Lebanon where Hezbollah has been active.
The conflict escalated in early March when Hezbollah launched artillery fire across the Israeli border under the pretext of supporting Iran. In response, Israel conducted large-scale airstrikes and deployed ground troops.
Meanwhile, President Donald Trump, after signing an executive order at the White House, commented on the prospects of the agreement, stating, "It may not happen, but if it does, it could happen over the weekend."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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