IDF reduces amount of forces in southern Lebanon from eight brigades to six

The IDF has cut its forces in southern Lebanon from eight brigades down to six, Army Radio reported on Thursday.

According to Army Radio, the IDF has recently pulled four brigades out of Lebanon, replacing them with only two. It has also released many reservist soldiers.

The four brigades that exited Lebanon were the Commando Brigade, the Golani Brigade, and two reservist brigades: the 55th Paratrooper Reservist Brigade and the 4th Armored Reservist Brigade.

In their stead, the 188th Armored Brigade and the Ground Forces Training School Brigade entered Lebanon and have taken positions across the border, Army Radio reported.

A military source told Army Radio that the reduction in forces was intended to ease the burden on the IDF's manpower and specifically allow reservists to return home as conditions allow.

Former IDF commander warns against pulling out of Lebanon

Earlier this month, IDF Col. (res.) Oren Zini, former commander of the Tze'elim Training Base, warned against any future agreement that would force the IDF to withdraw from its positions in the Gaza Strip and Lebanon before completing its missions in an interview with 103FM.

"If we do not maintain our hold in these areas, the enemy will escape with its forces and munitions, and we won't be taken seriously," he said.

"We saw what happened when we left the security zone [in southern Lebanon]. Not everyone will like hearing this, but that year 2000 effort under Ehud Barak looked like one big retreat. I was there. We left equipment and weapons behind, and pulled out at the drop of a hat."