Israel redeploys troops from Lebanon to Gaza

The Israeli military announced that its 98th Division has been withdrawn from southern Lebanon and is being redirected to the Gaza Strip. In a statement on X, the army said the division had “completed” its mission in Lebanon after three months of clashes with Hezbollah and would now prepare for operations in Gaza.

The withdrawal comes as part of a ceasefire agreement with Lebanon, under which Israeli forces will gradually leave southern Lebanon, transferring authority to the Lebanese army.

The agreement specifies that the Lebanese army is the only entity authorised to bear arms in the region.

Critics have accused Israel of shifting its military focus to Gaza to intensify its ongoing assault on the besieged enclave.

With over 45,000 already killed in Gaza, international observers warn that redeploying troops risks further deepening the humanitarian crisis and escalating violence.