Background of the Ceasefire and Occupation
Under the ceasefire agreement that took effect on June 3, Israel committed to a gradual withdrawal from southern Lebanon and the transfer of so-called "pilot zones" to the Lebanese army. The arrangement was contingent on Hezbollah being unable to stage attacks from those areas. However, Hezbollah rejected the deal outright, demanded a full and immediate Israeli withdrawal, and refused to disarm.
The IDF has maintained a presence in parts of southern Lebanon, describing the area as a security zone necessary to deter Hezbollah from launching rockets and mortars across the border. The occupation and the terms of withdrawal have remained central points of contention between the two sides since the truce began.