Lebanon: Israel begins first withdrawal to yellow line as bombs continue to fall

Israel initiated its first withdrawal from the southern Lebanese town of Debbine on Thursday, moving towards Khiam and clearing a path for the Lebanese army. However, this redeployment did not halt Israeli airstrikes on southern Lebanon and the Bekaa Valley, where Hezbollah continued its operations.

Local sources described the move as the first withdrawal towards the "yellow line" after Israeli forces had advanced beyond it. Israeli tanks reportedly left Debbine, heading towards Khiam, while Lebanese army vehicles also moved toward the town. This maneuver was reportedly driven by logistical challenges faced by Israeli forces around Khiam, making it difficult to supply their vehicles under threat of attack.

The withdrawal follows a US-brokered agreement reached on June 2nd and 3rd, 2026, in Washington. Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam announced the Lebanese army's deployment in "pilot zones" as a "concrete and tangible first step." However, the agreement has drawn criticism for its lack of a specific Israeli withdrawal timeline, verification sequence, or guarantees for the return of displaced people. Hezbollah's leader, Naim Qassem, denounced the deal as a "capitulation" and a "defeat," demanding a comprehensive ceasefire and full Israeli withdrawal.

On the ground, airstrikes resumed shortly after the agreement was announced. The Israeli military spokesperson issued an urgent warning to residents of southern Lebanon, advising them to avoid certain areas.

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