Full Breakdown
Lebanese Army Withdraws from Kfar Tebnit as Israeli Forces Advance Near Strategic Hill
6/13/2026, 9:21:36 PM
Lebanese Army Pulls Back from Kfar Tebnit
The Lebanese army vacated its Kfar Tebnit barracks on Saturday after Israeli troops moved toward Ali Taher hill, prompting evacuation warnings for about 20 sites, including Nabatiyeh.
Background and Strategic Context
The April 17 ceasefire is described as symbolic. Israel’s late-May seizure of the Beaufort Castle mountain marked its deepest incursion since 2000. U.S.–Iran talks aim to extend the ceasefire to Lebanon.
Timeline of Recent Events
- Mar 2, 2024 – Hezbollah rockets hit northern Israel, starting the latest war.
- Apr 17, 2024 – Ceasefire declared.
- Late May 2024 – Israel seized Beaufort Castle mountain.
- Sat – Lebanese army left Kfar Tebnit; Israeli forces advanced toward Ali Taher hill; evacuation warnings issued.
Data and Casualties
Airstrikes killed two civilians in Deir al-Zahrani. The Lebanese Health Ministry reports over 3,700 Lebanese deaths. Israel’s prime minister’s office cites 30 Israeli soldiers, one defense contractor and two Israeli civilians killed.
Why It Matters
Ali Taher hill overlooks Nabatiyeh and key roads, making its control crucial for military logistics and civilian movement. The withdrawal may shift front lines and affect ceasefire talks involving the United States and Iran.
Official Statements & Responses
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said both sides are working toward an agreement ending the war on all fronts, including Lebanon. Hezbollah’s Hussein Haj Hassan said Iran indicated Lebanon will be part of a future U.S.–Iran ceasefire. The Lebanese Health Ministry and Israel’s prime minister’s office released the casualty figures above.
Criticism and Opposition
Observers call the April 17 ceasefire symbolic, noting ongoing Israeli artillery and Hezbollah rocket attacks. Critics also highlight Israel’s continued occupation of large parts of southern Lebanon as a source of civilian harm.
On-the-Ground Reports
State news agency reported artillery shelling of Nabatiyeh and airstrikes on nearby villages. Two civilians died in Deir al-Zahrani. Israeli evacuation warnings covered about 20 sites, prompting displacement.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Casualty figures differ: the Lebanese Health Ministry cites over 3,700 Lebanese deaths, while Israel’s prime minister’s office reports 30 Israeli soldiers, one defense contractor and two civilians killed.
Verbatim Quotes
- “A senior Lebanese military official told The Associated Press that the Lebanese army moved its forces from the Kfar Tebnit barracks following an incursion by Israeli forces into the area.” — Senior Lebanese military official
- “More than 3,700 people have been killed in Lebanon in the latest fighting, according to the Lebanese Health Ministry.” — Lebanese Health Ministry
What’s Next
U.S. and Iranian mediators continue refining the ceasefire wording to include Lebanon. Israeli forces may seek to secure Ali Taher hill, potentially prompting further Lebanese army repositioning. Humanitarian agencies monitor displacement in warned locations.
