Israel Defense Minister Vows to Keep Troops in Syria During Visit

Israel's military has restricted movement in and out of three Christian towns in southern Lebanon, forcing residents of Rmeish, Debel, and Ain Ebel to travel in prearranged convoys. These towns in the Bint Jbeil district remain encircled by Israeli forces, with residents needing to register vehicles and provide traveler details for a single designated route through Naqoura.

Relief and medical supplies reach the towns via convoys escorted by the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). Local sources report that the Lebanese army and UNIFIL organize daily convoys, which are escorted by the army to Qlayleh and then by UNIFIL vehicles to the villages. Travelers must register and have their identities checked, with vehicles searched as part of coordination with Israeli forces to permit passage.

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no vehicle may travel alone.

The Vatican, through its ambassador to Lebanon, has reportedly asked the United States to intervene and prevent Israel from limiting the movement of residents in these Christian villages. Notably, Christian villages in the Marjayoun district are not subject to these restrictions, with residents and visitors traveling freely.

Meanwhile, Israeli forces have continued operations in southern Lebanon, including bulldozing and destroying homes in towns within the "yellow line." Reports indicate trucks carrying explosives have been seen alongside patrols, with explosives used around remaining homes in occupied areas. Over 5,000 properties have reportedly been destroyed in Mais al-Jabal.

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Their identities are checked and their vehicles searched as part of coordination with Israeli forces to allow them to pass.