South Lebanon Ceasefire Holds, but Return Remains Unsafe
Israel widened warnings to civilians in southern Lebanon, highlighting how fragile the ceasefire remains and how far Israeli troops are still deployed.
Israel told residents of southern Lebanon on April 20, 2026 to stay away from a long stretch of territory near the border despite the recent ceasefire with Hezbollah.
Reuters reported that the Israeli military published a map showing areas civilians should avoid and said residents should not return to more than 50 villages. People were also told not to approach the Litani River zone.
The Israeli position is that troops must stay in place because of what it describes as ongoing Hezbollah activity. Hezbollah, meanwhile, says it retains the right to resist occupation, and local Lebanese officials say the south is still not safe.
The practical result is that many displaced families remain unable to go home even though the ceasefire has reduced open fighting.
That gap between a formal truce and conditions on the ground is why the situation remains tense. A ceasefire can stop some battles, but it does not immediately remove troops, weapons, or fear.