Israeli forces have withdrawn from southern Lebanon in accordance with the ceasefire agreement reached in the conflict.
The area will be taken over by the Lebanese army.
However, the withdrawal was not complete. Israel retains five bases on the Lebanese side.
Israel justifies the bases remaining on the grounds that the Lebanese army is weak.
Although the Lebanese army has developed, Israel says it is unable to completely prevent the activities of the extremist Islamic movement Hezbollah in the border area, reports the Jerusalem Post .
Preventing Hezbollah’s activities was the main reason for Israel’s invasion of Lebanon.
Israel estimates it will hold the bases for 2–8 months.