Israel’s military has refused to withdraw troops from five southern Lebanese posts despite a Tuesday deadline, defying a ceasefire agreement reached with Hezbollah last November. The decision comes as Lebanon’s government had rejected an extension of the withdrawal period set for February 18.
IDF spokesperson Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani stated that the military would remain at the outposts “to defend our residents and prevent any immediate threat.” However, Lebanon’s speaker Nabih Berri has accused Israel of failing to uphold its side of the agreement, saying it means the Israelis will practice freedom of movement and aggression in Lebanon.
The US military has been vague on whether Israel would uphold its withdrawal commitment. Maj. Gen. Jasper Jeffers stated that the Lebanese Armed Forces will control all population centers in the Southern Litani Area before next Tuesday. Naim Qassem, Hezbollah’s secretary-general, said there are “no excuses” for Israel’s failure to withdraw.
France has proposed United Nations peacekeepers to replace Israeli forces at key points in Lebanon, aiming to ensure that Israeli troops leave by February 18. The proposal was made by French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot and aims to address the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/02/17/middleeast/israel-lebanon-ceasefire-withdrawal-latam-hnk-intl/index.html