In pictures: Israel pulls out

Relieved and happy, Israeli troops have been arriving home as the country's two-decade occupation of Lebanon draws to a close. Many Lebanese celebrated their own return to their former villages. But not all were happy about the withdrawal: Israel's allies in Lebanon felt forced to flee, while Israelis living near the Lebanese border are feeling vulnerable.

Israeli troops back from Lebanon make the victory sign

Celebrating their safe return from an increasingly dangerous mission

Lebanese villagers pour back into the evacuated areas

A member of the South Lebanon Army and his family receive sanctuary in Israel

A Lebanese boy waiting to enter Israel as his family flee Hezbollah's advance

Israeli tanks lined up along the Lebanese border during the pullout

An Israeli soldier resting from efforts to construct a minefield along the border

Kiryat Shmona residents huddle in a bomb shelter in case Hezbollah should attack