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The Israeli military has decided not to fully withdraw its forces from southern Lebanon by Sunday, as required by a ceasefire agreement. The government claims that Lebanon failed to uphold its part of the deal and is therefore preventing a complete withdrawal.
US officials are working on extending the ceasefire for a short, temporary period to allow gradual U.S.-led withdrawals. However, Lebanese sources indicate that the deadline has not been fully enforced, with no official notice sent to Israel about plans beyond a 60-day grace period.
Hezbollah warned that if the Israeli military remains in Lebanon past Sunday, it could be considered a breach of the agreement and lead to harsher measures against the group. The conflict, which began in October 2023, has seen low-level fighting between Israeli forces and Hezbollah near the border.
The Israeli government had requested additional time for troops to remain in southern Lebanon while discussions continue with partners on extending the ceasefire. Israeli Prime Minister David Mincer emphasized that all withdrawals must be gradual and in coordination with the United States.
In a recent interview, U.S. National Security Council spokesperson Brian Hughes stated that the extension is necessary but described it as “short and temporary.” The Lebanese military has been active in southern Lebanon, with checkpoints and patrols operating effectively throughout southwest Lebanon.
A 60-day deadline set in November has proven challenging to enforce, with Hezbollah still advancing across the Litani River into Israeli territory. President-elect Saad al-Hussein, supported by the U.S., faces a mandate to address security concerns while preserving Hezbollah’s influence in Lebanon.
Northern Israeli civilians are bracing for potential disruptions as thousands of residents displaced during the war gather near Kiryat Shmona on Sunday. The fear is that a full withdrawal could leave Hezbollah with greater latitude to operate near Israel’s border, despite Lebanese military efforts to keep them at bay.
The situation remains complex, with international support for an extension uncertain and local fears of escalation persisting.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/01/24/middleeast/israel-lebanon-hezbollah-withdrawal-intl/index.html