BEIRUT – Israeli troops began withdrawing from several border villages in southern Lebanon on Monday, ahead of a ceasefire deadline set for February 18. Despite the pullback, Israel’s military confirmed it would maintain a presence at five “strategic points” along the border to ensure security.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun expressed concern that Israel might miss the deadline and called for international pressure to ensure full withdrawal. The ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, which started on November 27, requires Israeli forces to pull out while Lebanon’s army and UN peacekeepers deploy in the south.

Aoun stated that Lebanon's army is ready to take control of the areas being vacated by Israeli troops. While the truce has largely held, Israel continued airstrikes, including one that killed a Hamas commander. Hezbollah remains a key issue, with the Lebanese government pushing for disarmament and full control over its territory.

The conflict has left over 100,000 people displaced, with reconstruction costs estimated at up to $11 billion.