Jeffers says Israel's withdrawal from Lebanon on a 'very positive path'

U.S. Major General Jasper Jeffers, the Chairman of the Cessation of Hostilities Implementation “Mechanism”, joined by French Brigadier General Guillaume Ponchin, have accompanied Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) officers today to visit LAF checkpoints in south-west Lebanon, the U.S. Embassy said.

LAF 5th Brigade assumed full control of this area last week immediately after Israeli forces withdrew. Soldiers in 5th Brigade are now “in the process of making roads and villages safe for residents to return home,” the Embassy said in a statement.

Jeffers and Ponchin visited seven LAF checkpoints where the group observed Lebanese soldiers “monitoring roadways to provide security and prevent the movement of unauthorized armed groups in accordance with the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement signed November 26, 2024,” the statement said.

They also witnessed reconstruction efforts and a LAF engineer team detonating some of the 31 rockets (107 mm) discovered in Shamaa on Wednesday morning.

Jeffers commented: “LAF checkpoints and patrols operate effectively throughout south-west Lebanon, and the soldiers are dedicated to their mission as Lebanon’s sole security guarantors. Their presence created a sense of security and stability which will be important for the civilians who will soon resume normal activities in the area.”

“We are on a very positive path to continue the withdrawal of the IDF (Israeli army) as planned, and the LAF is providing for the security and stability of Lebanon,” Jeffers added.