The first test of the Lebanon deal: IDF pulls back slightly

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world.

Military correspondent Emanuel Fabian joins host Jessica Steinberg for today's episode.

After Israel and Lebanon signed a deal that includes a partial IDF withdrawal from southern Lebanon, Fabian discusses the strikes against Hezbollah on Saturday and Israel's ability to continue acting against threats from the terrorist organization.

For now, Israel will remain in the security zone it established in southern Lebanon, reports Fabian, withdrawing from only two trial areas as part of the agreement.

Fabian notes that the deal's efficacy will depend on whether the Lebanese army will be able to exercise control over Hezbollah, which has already stated that it does not respect the deal.

An IDF strike killed another Hamas terrorist, the nephew of the terrorist organization's political leader, Ismail Haniyeh, reports Fabian, part of the ongoing Shin Bet effort to locate all Hamas members who took part in the bloody October 7, 2023 assault.

IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir utilized a televised cadet ceremony to make it clear that the army will not back down from a pilot program to bring women into the armored corps, says Fabian, given the need for more combat soldiers and the availability of women who want to serve in tank units.

Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates.

For further reading:

IDF says it struck terror operatives in south Lebanon, after framework deal announced

PM: Iran, Hezbollah to have ‘no role in Lebanon’ under deal, Israel can maintain security zone

IDF says strike killed Oct. 7 terrorist commander, nephew of ex-Hamas chief Haniyeh

IDF chief says military needs ‘every male and female combat soldier’

Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Ari Schlacht. 

IMAGE: Military correspondent Emanual Fabian joins host Jessica Steinberg for today's Daily Briefing (AP/ Mohammed Zaatari)

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