Lebanese civilians force their way into the south, despite security warnings

Some individuals bypassed barricades set up by the Lebanese army as they moved toward areas previously considered active combat zones.

By Vered Weiss, World Israel News

Thousands of Lebanese civilians pushed past barriers and returned to southern Lebanon following the start of a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah on April 17, 2026, despite warnings from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the Lebanese army that the area remains unsafe.

Residents and local crews worked to restore access routes into the south, including repairs to the al-Qasmiya bridge over the Litani River, allowing civilians to travel back to their homes.

Reports indicated that some individuals bypassed barricades set up by the Lebanese army as they moved toward areas previously considered active combat zones.

The IDF has continued to classify southern Lebanon as a combat zone and warned that anyone entering the area could be at risk.

Shortly after the ceasefire came into effect, the Lebanese army reported intermittent shelling in the region.

The movement of civilians comes amid the implementation of a ceasefire framework established between Lebanon and Israel under terms outlined by the US State Department.

Under the arrangement, Israel retains the ability to respond to “planned, imminent, or ongoing threats,” and this authority “will not be limited by the ceasefire.”

At the same time, Israel is refraining from offensive military operations against Lebanese targets—civilian, military, or governmental—on land, in the air, and at sea.

The agreement also places responsibility on the Lebanese government, with international support, to prevent Hezbollah and other non-state armed groups from carrying out attacks or hostile activity against Israeli targets.

It further affirms that Lebanon’s security forces are the sole authority responsible for the country’s sovereignty and national security, with no external guarantors.