In a recent announcement, the Israeli government indicated that it would not meet the impending deadline for complete military withdrawal from southern Lebanon, originally set for Sunday. The situation arises from Israel's apprehensions about Hezbollah's ongoing activities in the region and doubts regarding the Lebanese Army's capacity to replace Israeli forces effectively. A truce negotiated in late November mandated both Israeli and Hezbollah withdrawals while facilitating Lebanese military control over the area historically dominated by Hezbollah, an influential Iran-backed Shiite militia.
Israel Set to Extend Military Presence in Southern Lebanon Amidst Deadlines
Israel Set to Extend Military Presence in Southern Lebanon Amidst Deadlines
As the deadline for military withdrawal approaches, Israel is likely to maintain troop presence in southern Lebanon due to security concerns regarding Hezbollah.
With less than 48 hours remaining until the deadline, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office confirmed that any withdrawal would depend on the Lebanese Army demonstrating full authority in the region. The statement suggested a flexible timeline, hinting at the potential for Israeli troops to remain deployed beyond the specified expiration. "Since the cease-fire agreement has not yet been fully enforced by Lebanon, the gradual withdrawal process will continue under full cooperation with the United States," the statement elaborated.
In talks with American and French mediators, Israeli officials expressed a desire to retain an ongoing military presence in southern Lebanon past the deadline. Meanwhile, Hezbollah has responded with strong rhetoric, warning that any violation of the agreement would be considered an affront to Lebanese sovereignty, potentially igniting a new phase of conflict in the area.
While Israeli leaders have made their intentions clear, the reactions from both Hezbollah and the Lebanese government regarding Israel's extended presence remain awaited, cycling through fears of a prolonged occupation and escalated tensions in the already volatile landscape of the region.
In talks with American and French mediators, Israeli officials expressed a desire to retain an ongoing military presence in southern Lebanon past the deadline. Meanwhile, Hezbollah has responded with strong rhetoric, warning that any violation of the agreement would be considered an affront to Lebanese sovereignty, potentially igniting a new phase of conflict in the area.
While Israeli leaders have made their intentions clear, the reactions from both Hezbollah and the Lebanese government regarding Israel's extended presence remain awaited, cycling through fears of a prolonged occupation and escalated tensions in the already volatile landscape of the region.
