In a significant shift, Israeli military presence within Lebanese territory is no longer perceived as a temporary deployment, according to Israeli claims. Local settlers near the border discovered an empty military post meant for their protection, with Israeli officials stating that soldiers had been relocated to advanced positions in Southern Lebanon.
As reported by the newspaper 'Maariv', residents of the settlement of Natua, near the Lebanese border, were surprised to find their nearby military post no longer permanently manned, and were not previously informed of this change.
Yoav Cohen, head of the settlement committee, expressed that this has deepened a trust crisis between the residents and the Israeli military command. He mentioned that senior officers had promised fortifications and posts following the "Iron Swords" war, with infantry units ready to respond to any infiltration attempts.
However, the battalion's replacement over 10 days ago revealed the site's vacancy. Cohen remarked, "We recognize there's a staffing issue. Knowing the combat forces are exhausted, they are being redirected according to needs. The site is vacant."
He added, "We should have been informed, not left to discover a neat but empty post ourselves. They leave the lights on to give the illusion of occupancy, similar to leaving a house light on to deter burglars."
Cohen linked the situation to fears of reverting to pre-October 7 security perceptions, noting that Israeli positions were predominantly empty at the Lebanese border at that time. He emphasized a serious erosion in trust with higher military authority.
When asked if calm has returned to the area, he replied, "Everyone thinks the war is over and all is well, but not a night passes without explosions here."
Interestingly, the Ma'ale Yosef Regional Council denied that vacating some posts resulted from a shortage of forces, stating that the Israeli military has repositioned itself under the "forward defense" strategy.
The council explained that forces previously stationed internally are now conducting defensive missions within what is described as the "security zone in Southern Lebanon", leading to certain reinforcement sites within the settlements being left unmanned permanently.
Therefore, the settlers' objection to an empty post has inadvertently confirmed a strategic shift, with Israel reducing border deployments while intensifying military presence within Lebanese territory, as Israel continues to occupy southern positions and impede Lebanon's full sovereignty restoration in the region.