-
Israeli Forces Withdraw from Southern Lebanese Town After Arresting Three People
An Israeli force withdrew on Thursday from the town of Helta in southern Lebanon after imposing a siege that lasted for some time, according to a security source who spoke to *Sky News Arabia*.
The source said the force withdrew after arresting three residents of the town. Earlier on Thursday, a five-vehicle Israeli force had surrounded Helta.
Sources told *Sky News Arabia* that the troops searched homes in the town, causing extensive damage in the process. They also summoned the town’s mukhtar and questioned members of the local council.
The Israeli force prevented residents from leaving their homes and restricted all movement into and out of Helta, which is located among the Arqoub villages in the eastern sector of southern Lebanon.
The sources suggested that the operation was aimed at searching for and arresting individuals, while also pointing to the possibility that homes could be demolished and explosions carried out in the town.
The Israeli military has recently intensified attacks on towns in southern Lebanon, particularly in the Nabatieh area, as part of a campaign it says is targeting Hezbollah.
Israel continues to occupy large areas of southern Lebanon, having announced the establishment of a “security zone” extending up to 10 kilometers along its border. It has also continued to carry out airstrikes, demolitions and large-scale blasts.
Lebanese officials have repeatedly condemned the ongoing Israeli attacks on the south, despite the two countries signing a framework agreement under U.S. auspices on June 26 and holding direct negotiations—talks that Hezbollah rejects, along with the surrender of its weapons.
Seven rounds of negotiations have been held between Lebanon and Israel under U.S. auspices, the latest taking place in Rome on the fourth.
