The Lebanese Armed Forces on Monday urged people displaced from the south of the country by Israeli military operations there not to return to their homes and await further instructions, following Sunday’s announcement of a memorandum of understanding that could bring an end to the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran.
“In light of recent developments in the region and with news circulating about reaching a ceasefire, the Army Command emphasizes the need for residents to postpone their return to the southern border villages and towns, and to adhere to the instructions of the deployed military units, in order to protect their safety from the danger of Israeli violations and attacks,” the force said in a post to X.
Lebanon’s NNA state media reported that some displaced Lebanese families were starting to head back to southern Lebanon following the U.S.-Iran agreement, which President Donald Trump announced on Sunday. The deal is expected to be signed on Friday, Trump said.
Local authorities and civil emergency groups began to open closed roads in the southern districts of Tyre and Bint Habeel, NNA reported, paving the way for the return of people to their homes.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz on Monday said that the Israel Defense Forces will not withdraw from areas it has seized in southern Lebanon, Syria and the Gaza Strip regardless of a deal with Iran.
A girl flashes signals from a vehicle as displaced residents cross the Bourj Rahal bridge on their way to their village in southern Lebanon on June 15, 2026.
Kawnat Haju/AFP via Getty Images
-ABC News’ Ghazi Balkiz, Somayeh Malekian, Victoria Beaule and Jordana Miller