Israel Leaving Behind Troops in Lebanon After Withdrawal

The Israeli military will remain in five strategic locations in southern Lebanon after a ceasefire deadline with Hezbollah. This comes as both sides mark 500 days of unrest linked to the Gaza war. Lebanon's President Joseph Aoun opposes the delay, saying: "The ceasefire must be respected," and warning: "The Israeli enemy cannot be trusted." The US-led body monitoring the truce approved Israel's temporary presence, according to Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani.

In Lebanon's Sidon, an Israeli drone targeted a car, marking the deepest incursion since the ceasefire began. Israel aimed at Muhammad Shaheen, head of Hamas operations in Lebanon. Meanwhile, nearly 1,000 new settler homes are planned in the occupied West Bank, potentially expanding the Efrat settlement by 40%, as reported by Hagit Ofran of Peace Now.

Israelis held protests Monday calling for the Gaza ceasefire to be extended to free more hostages. Ohad Ben Ami, a recently released hostage, described captivity conditions, saying: "All I care about, all I want, is for my friends to return." Under current agreements, 33 more hostages are set for release. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)