IDF reveals five points in Lebanon where troops will stay even after withdrawal deadline expires Tuesday

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Monday for the first time confirmed its troops will not completely withdraw from southern Lebanon at the end of the deadline on Feb. 18, after numerous foreign reports indicated that the U.S. had signaled its support for the move.

According to a report by Army Radio, the IDF stated it is “preparing for a long stay until Hezbollah withdraws from south of the Litani River.”

Under the terms of the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, IDF troops were to fully withdraw from Lebanon by Jan. 27. However, the U.S. at the last minute announced an extension until Feb. 18.

The IDF confirms troops will remain deployed to five strategic positions in southern Lebanon beyond tomorrow's deadline to withdraw as part of a ceasefire agreement, and details where they are located.

The United States has authorized the IDF to remain in the five points, though… pic.twitter.com/WgPzIlkO7E

— Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian (@manniefabian) February 17, 2025

The Lebanese government and Hezbollah repeatedly signaled they wouldn’t accept a partial Israeli withdrawal. The terror group’s leader Naim Qassem on Sunday threatened Israel and called on the Lebanese government to ensure the IDF leave Lebanon completely.

According to Israeli media reports, the U.S. has signaled its approval for the Israeli plan, despite earlier statements that Israel won’t receive another deadline extension.

The Israeli military stated it will maintain five outposts located in strategic areas in Lebanese territory, which are overlooking large parts of the border area and will enable the army to effectively defend it.

The locations are:

1.    The Sullam Ridge, overlooking the Israeli town of Shlomi in the Western Galilee. “This location provides a wider view of the Lebanese territory and, according to the IDF, will significantly contribute to the defense of Shlomi,” according to Army Radio’s military correspondent, Doron Kadosh.

2.    The Blatt Range, which overlooks the Israeli communities of Shtula and Zar’it, in the central sector of the border.

3.    The Shaked Ridge, located above the Israeli communities of Avivim and Malkiya, in the Galilee panhandle. The post overlooks the Ramim Ridge as well as the Lebanese towns of Aytaroun and Bint Jbeil.

4.    Mount Tsivoni, located above the town of Margaliot. “This location is considered by the IDF to be very significant in strengthening the defense of the area,” according to Army Radio.

5.    The Hamamis Range, which overlooks the city of Metula and the area of al-Khiam in Lebanon.

During the months of war, Hezbollah had used several areas where the hills on the Lebanese side overlook Israeli town to carry out intense rocket and missile fire at Israel, killing dozens and destroying large parts of several towns.

All of the IDF posts will be located on hilltops that aren’t part of built-up areas in southern Lebanon. The IDF said it will fully vacate all towns and villages in the area.

However, it will maintain the five posts until Israel’s political echelon is sure that Hezbollah’s operations south of the Litani River have ceased completely. The army is “preparing for a long stay” in the posts and is planning to deploy five companies to man and defend them.

In addition, the Jerusalem Post reported that the IDF is massively ramping up its routine military presence along the northern border, tripling its troops compared to before the war. The report said the number of soldiers permanently stationed there could be up to 10,000-15,000.

The additional soldiers will be housed in several new army posts, with the goal being to maintain a post between every Israeli community and the border. The IDF also said it will improve intelligence gathering capabilities through new cameras, radars, and sensors.

Ahead of the expected withdrawal on Tuesday, the IDF emphasized that a strip of some five to eight kilometers within Lebanese territory has been cleared. Hezbollah’s “terror infrastructure has been completely destroyed, and the area is nearly free of weapons,” the IDF said.