The ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon has been extended until February 18th, according to the White House. This extension was made possible through mediation efforts by the Trump administration aimed at preventing the ceasefire from collapsing. The agreement requires Israel to complete its withdrawal from southern Lebanon within a 60-day period set out in the deal. However, the Israeli prime minister’s office indicated that the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) will not finish its withdrawal by the deadline. Hezbollah warned that it could consider the ceasefire null and void if Israel fails to meet Sunday’s withdrawal deadline. The U.S. government has been working with regional partners to secure the extension and expressed a need for a short, temporary ceasefire. The situation in Lebanon has escalated as thousands of Lebanese, including some Hezbollah supporters, began moving toward villages near the border with Israel where the IDF still operates. Lebanese forces initially tried to stop this movement but later allowed people to pass their checkpoints. Israeli forces then fired at those who got close to their positions, leading to 22 deaths and dozens wounded in the Lebanese health ministry’s report. The White House stated that Lebanon, Israel, and the U.S. will begin negotiations for the return of Lebanese prisoners captured after October 7th, 2023, many of whom are Hezbollah militants. This ongoing situation highlights the complexities of the conflict and the delicate balance between ceasefire agreements and regional dynamics.
Source: https://www.axios.com/2025/01/26/israel-lebanon-ceasefire-extended-trump-white-house