Image: Majalla Al-Majalla

Lebanese Army Withdraws from Southern Christian Villages, Residents Feel Abandoned

02 April, 2026.Lebanon.15 sources

Key Takeaways

Lebanese army withdrew from southern border towns as Israeli offensive advances.
Christian communities in towns like Rmeich, Ain Ebel, Debel fear escalation and humanitarian crisis.
Residents feel abandoned amid withdrawal, facing shortages and risk of being drawn into conflict.

Army Withdrawal Sparks Panic

The Lebanese Army withdrew from several Christian villages in South Lebanon.

“Egypt: The Israeli ground incursion into southern Lebanon is a flagrant violation of Lebanon's sovereignty Istanbul / Anadolu Egypt condemned on Tuesday the Israeli ground incursion into southern Lebanon, describing it as a "flagrant violation" of Lebanon's sovereignty and a "grave breach" of the rules of international law”

Anadolu Ajansi

Residents had stayed despite evacuation orders, believing their communities would remain untouched.

Anadolu Ajansi

A priest said the army was their guarantee and gave them strength.

This came just days before Easter.

Humanitarian Strains and Community Resilience

Residents face increasing shortages of food, fuel, and medical supplies.

Communities adjusted church schedules and stockpiled essential supplies.

Brussels Morning

Despite risks, residents remained committed to their homes.

Strategic Redeployment and Political Implications

The Lebanese military began a strategic redeployment away from the immediate frontier.

“Christian Communities Brave the Turmoil on Lebanon-Israel Border Trapped by ongoing conflict, Christian communities along Lebanon's southern border face fear and uncertainty following the Lebanese army's withdrawal”