An Israeli request for more time to withdraw its forces from southern Lebanon may complicate matters for local authorities, already facing challenges from Hezbollah's influence.
Israel Requests Additional Deadline Extension for Lebanon Troop Withdrawal
Israel Requests Additional Deadline Extension for Lebanon Troop Withdrawal
Tensions Rise as Israel Seeks Delay in Southern Lebanon Exit Amid Ceasefire Agreement
In a significant development, Israel is reportedly seeking to extend the deadline for its military withdrawal from southern Lebanon, as stated by a diplomatic source. The Israeli forces were initially slated to exit by next week, but the renewed request aims to delay their departure from five positions for an additional ten days, pushing the new deadline to February 28.
This comes in the context of a ceasefire agreement established after a prolonged conflict with Hezbollah, a truce that was mediated by both the United States and France and came into effect on November 27. The ceasefire stipulates that both Israeli forces and Hezbollah members should vacate southern Lebanon, an area historically marred by Israeli occupation.
As Israeli soldiers remain entrenched, Lebanese troops are preparing to move into the region, which has seen a strong Hezbollah presence for years. Lebanon has already experienced an extension of the ceasefire agreement, which was originally set for January 26, due to claims of non-compliance by Israel. In contrast, the Lebanese government contends that Israel is stalling its full withdrawal.
Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun firmly countered any rumors regarding an agreement for another extension, reiterating the country’s commitment to regaining its territorial sovereignty by insisting on an immediate total withdrawal of Israeli troops by Tuesday.
The ongoing Israeli military presence is a considerable concern for many Lebanese citizens, harking back to an 18-year occupation that ended in 2000. Despite the ceasefire, recent actions by Israel, including low-altitude jets flying over Beirut, indicate continued aggression towards Hezbollah, which Israel views as a threat, backed by Iranian support.
Hezbollah's stature, though diminished in recent conflicts, retains substantial backing among the Shia populace in Lebanon. The previous conflict, which erupted last September, resulted in significant casualties and widespread destruction, with around 4,000 deaths noted—many of whom were civilians—and over 1.2 million displaced individuals.
Israel’s intentions during these hostilities primarily revolved around the return of approximately 60,000 displaced residents and the dismantling of Hezbollah's military capacity near the border, a situation that has been exacerbated by recent hostilities following the October 7 Hamas attacks within Israel.
This comes in the context of a ceasefire agreement established after a prolonged conflict with Hezbollah, a truce that was mediated by both the United States and France and came into effect on November 27. The ceasefire stipulates that both Israeli forces and Hezbollah members should vacate southern Lebanon, an area historically marred by Israeli occupation.
As Israeli soldiers remain entrenched, Lebanese troops are preparing to move into the region, which has seen a strong Hezbollah presence for years. Lebanon has already experienced an extension of the ceasefire agreement, which was originally set for January 26, due to claims of non-compliance by Israel. In contrast, the Lebanese government contends that Israel is stalling its full withdrawal.
Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun firmly countered any rumors regarding an agreement for another extension, reiterating the country’s commitment to regaining its territorial sovereignty by insisting on an immediate total withdrawal of Israeli troops by Tuesday.
The ongoing Israeli military presence is a considerable concern for many Lebanese citizens, harking back to an 18-year occupation that ended in 2000. Despite the ceasefire, recent actions by Israel, including low-altitude jets flying over Beirut, indicate continued aggression towards Hezbollah, which Israel views as a threat, backed by Iranian support.
Hezbollah's stature, though diminished in recent conflicts, retains substantial backing among the Shia populace in Lebanon. The previous conflict, which erupted last September, resulted in significant casualties and widespread destruction, with around 4,000 deaths noted—many of whom were civilians—and over 1.2 million displaced individuals.
Israel’s intentions during these hostilities primarily revolved around the return of approximately 60,000 displaced residents and the dismantling of Hezbollah's military capacity near the border, a situation that has been exacerbated by recent hostilities following the October 7 Hamas attacks within Israel.
