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Lebanon Marks Liberation Day as Israeli Forces Operate in South
Lebanon observed the 26th anniversary of Israeli withdrawal from the south on May 25. Israeli forces have maintained positions and issued evacuation orders since a March escalation. More than 1.2 million people remain displaced.
May 25, 1:39 PM·1m read1 source
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Lebanon marked the 26th anniversary of the Israeli military withdrawal from southern Lebanon on May 25. The date had been observed as Liberation Day since 2000, when the last Israeli troops left after an 18-year presence. Israeli forces re-entered southern Lebanon in March following rocket fire from Hezbollah.
The Israeli military has continued operations in the south even after a U.S.-announced ceasefire took effect on April 16.
More than 1.2 million people have been displaced, mainly from southern Lebanon and Beirut’s southern suburbs. Many displaced residents spent the holiday in shelters or schools in Beirut and Tyre. Israeli forces issued new evacuation orders for ten towns and villages on May 25. Air strikes killed three people in southern Lebanon the same day.
Lebanon’s president stated that southern Lebanon achieved national dignity through the 2000 withdrawal and called for full Israeli withdrawal. The prime minister wrote that celebrations would not occur until complete withdrawal and safe return of residents.
Hezbollah’s secretary-general rejected direct talks with Israel and said indirect negotiations through intermediaries were preferable. He also stated that the government should resign if it cannot protect sovereignty. The U.S. State Department condemned the call for the government to resign.
Israeli air activity continued over eastern Lebanon on May 25.
