Khiam: Israeli army retreats from Lebanon’s border village
The Israeli army has failed to make an incursion in Lebanon’s southern border village of al-Khiam after nearly a week of fierce clashes with Hezbollah, according to Asharq Al-Awsat.
On November 3rd, Hezbollah’s television channel al-Manar said the city was now “completely devoid of any Israeli soldier,” including its eastern section, where heavy fighting took place.
The Israeli army meanwhile announced the killing of Hezbollah commander in the Khiam region Farouk Amin al-Assi as well as the killing of a Hezbollah special forces unit commander.
An Israeli military spokesman said Assi was responsible for carrying out rocket and anti-tank missile attacks on the Galilee and Metula areas.
Lebanon’s state National News Agency said the Lebanese and International Red Cross attempted to evacuate two families during the fighting, including women and children.
However, when aid groups were finally able to reach them, they were too late.
Their bodies were found under the rubble.
READ: Haim Bresheeth: UK police arrest Israeli for “hate speech”
Brig. Gen. Hassan Jouni, former deputy chief of staff of operations in the Lebanese Armed Forces, says it is still unclear what Israel’s next step will be.
He said it is evident Israel does not want to become engaged in intense clashes and incur heavy losses.
The objective of the first phase of Israel’s ground operation in Lebanon now, according to Israeli sources, coming to an end was to destroy frontline villages to make them exposed, Jouni believes.
However, following Israel’s announcement that it was fortifying settlements near the border with Lebanon, a coming offensive seems less likely.
Jouni said: “Does that mean that they will fortify the settlements rather than carry out an incursion in Lebanon?”
“The picture is not clear, but talk of the first phase is either aimed at confusing Hezbollah or leaving the situation open for the Israeli army.”
Asharq Al-Awsat
