The Lebanese army has withdrawn from its positions in the border towns of Rmeish and Ain Ebel, a move that has stoked fear among residents concerned about the escalating security and humanitarian risks in the region.

A military source told Al Arabiya/Al Hadath on Wednesday that the evacuation was “forced by the advancing Israeli forces,” adding that Lebanese troops “simply can’t stay in rear positions while Israeli forces push forward.”

Three Lebanese army brigades—the Fifth, Seventh, and Fifth Intervention Regiment—remain south of the Litani River. Other units have been redeployed to areas north of the river in response to the evolving security situation.

Hanna Al-Amil, mayor of Rmeish, said residents had hoped the army would maintain its presence, viewing it as a symbol of the Lebanese state.

“We knew in advance that the army would pull back if Israeli forces moved in,” he said. “They can’t stay in a location where the Israeli army is operating, though the Rmeish gendarmerie station is still open.”

Al-Amil described the withdrawal as a precautionary measure. “Israeli forces haven’t entered Rmeish itself, but they’re positioned around it,” he said, urging the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) to temporarily deploy in the town to fill the gap.

“The people here aren’t leaving. This is our land, and we’ll never give it up. God willing, this crisis will pass,” he added.

Ayoub Khreish, mayor of Ain Ebel, voiced similar resolve.

“We’re staying put, no matter how tough it gets,” he said, noting that the evacuation was somewhat expected given the Israeli advance.

Acknowledging the army’s limited capacities, Khreish said, “The army is the weakest link right now. Security in our town has essentially become our responsibility.”

Khreish said local officials reached out to UNIFIL about establishing a post in Ain Ebel, but the peacekeepers said they are under orders not to leave their current positions. He confirmed that essential supplies will continue to reach the town through Red Cross convoys.

About 6,000 residents remain in Rmeish, while roughly 1,300 continue to live in Ain Ebel despite the conflict. Ain Ebel still hosts two army posts: one permanent, and one redeployed from the border town of Dibil.

The Lebanese army's withdrawals are part of a wider redeployment across southern Lebanon, including posts in Braachit, Tairi, and Beit Yahoun in the Bint Jbeil district. Military analysts say the Israeli army is gradually expanding its control along three simultaneous attack axes in the south.