IDF completes south Lebanon withdrawal

Last army forces leave Lebanese territory, against backdrop of officials’ statements that no festivities are expected this time around, unlike during May 2000 withdrawal. Very small force to remain on Lebanese side of village of Rajar

IDF sources confirmed Sunday that Israeli army forces have completed their withdrawal from southern Lebanon, in accordance with the decision of the political and military echelons.

Ahead of the IDF's withdrawal, army officials stressed that contrary to the atmosphere that accompanied the withdrawal of May 2000, no festivities are expected this time around.

"This is nothing like the withdrawal six years ago, not in terms of the atmosphere and not in operational terms," an army official told Ynet, and stated that the pullout will be carried out quietly.

"We didn't occupy territories this time. We went in in the framework of an operation, and remained there as part of a political decision," he added. "There would be no festivities, but a quiet and practical operation," he stated.

Another officer told Ynet that the first forces would depart Lebanon from several areas: "The decision to pull the forces out, despite the fact that there are still unresolved issued in the coordination with UNIFIL, was made because there is no longer a point in keeping the soldiers in the region. These differences can be bridged after the troops are in Israel," he explained.

Hanan Greenberg
Latest Update: 10.01.06, 04:21