Israeli forces will remain in five strategic locations in southern Lebanon near the border after Tuesday’s deadline for their full withdrawal, according to an Israeli official. The official spoke on condition of anonymity.
The move comes amid ongoing tensions and a fragile ceasefire in the region. Lebanese officials have opposed any further delay in the Israeli pullout under the ceasefire agreement that ended fighting with the Hezbollah militant group. However, it remains unclear whether Israel will complete its withdrawal by Tuesday.
Meanwhile, an Israeli strike in Lebanon killed a senior Hamas leader, fueling concerns about the stability of the truce. The news came as Israelis marked the 500th day since Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, attack, which ignited the war in the Gaza Strip and rippled across the region.
The ceasefire is set to end in early March, but its future remains uncertain. If it’s extended, dozens more hostages are likely to be released. However, if Israel renews its military offensive against Hamas with US support, the truce could collapse.
Separately, an anti-settlement watchdog reported that Israel has issued a tender for nearly 1,000 additional settler homes in the occupied West Bank. This move is set to accelerate settlement expansion, further blocking the development of nearby Palestinian cities like Bethlehem.
Israel has built over 100 settlements across the West Bank, home to around 500,000 settlers who enjoy Israeli citizenship. However, Palestinians live under military rule with the Western-backed Palestinian Authority administering population centers.
The Israeli government views the West Bank as its historical and biblical heartland, opposing Palestinian statehood. Human rights groups have accused Israel of discrimination against and oppression of Palestinians in the West Bank.
As Israelis continue to mark the 500th day since Hamas’ attack, protesters are calling for an extended ceasefire so that more hostages can be released. The proposal has cast further doubt over the future of the truce, with some fearing it may collapse if Israel resumes its military operations against Hamas.
Source: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/israeli-forces-will-remain-in-5-locations-in-lebanon-after-tuesdays-pullout-deadline-official-says