Lebanese army commander says Israel persists in 'obstructing' deployment efforts

Lebanese army commander says Israel persists in 'obstructing' deployment efforts

The Israeli army are preventing the Lebanese military from completing deployment in southern Lebanon, Beirut's army commander Rodolphe Haykal said on Thursday. 

"The occupation persists in its attacks and repeated violations to obstruct the army's efforts," Haykal told during an  address to soldiers. 

He stressed that the Lebanese military remained ready to deploy "to all areas from which Israeli occupation forces withdraw", saying the army is committed to ensuring "the safe return of our people to their villages and towns".

Israeli attacks and demolitions in southern Lebanon remain ongoing, despite a US-brokered deal reached between the two states that includes Tel Aviv's withdrawal from the area. 

The framework agreement indicates the deployment of the Lebanese army in "pilot zones" evacuated by Israel - which occupies part of the south of the country - to take over the task of disarming Hezbollah. ...