IDF to Disband Northern Border Civilian Alert Teams Starting Sunday

The IDF said on Monday that emergency alert squads along Israel’s northern border will be shut down starting Sunday, following the ceasefire with Hezbollah. The order was issued by the commander of the Home Front Center in the Northern Command and states that the decision was made after a reassessment of the security situation and a change in defensive policy.

The military order said the protection units would end their mission “in light of the implementation of the ceasefire in the Lebanon sector.” An Israeli military source in the Northern Command added that, in later stages, reserve duty days for the alert teams will also be reduced, depending on the security assessment.

Meanwhile, Israel-Lebanon talks mediated by the United States are expected to resume tomorrow, with the sides likely to discuss a model for a pilot stabilization plan on the ground. Security sources say the White House is not applying real pressure on Israel to withdraw from southern Lebanon and is showing considerable understanding of the direct threat Hezbollah poses to communities near the border.