In a significant development, Israeli forces will maintain their presence in southern Lebanon beyond the 60-day deadline outlined in the recent ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah. The original agreement, which took effect on November 27, mandated the removal of Hezbollah's weapons and fighters from areas south of the Litani River, alongside the withdrawal of Israeli troops as the Lebanese military stepped in to enforce the terms.
However, the Israeli prime minister's office announced on Friday that the withdrawal has been delayed due to the incomplete implementation of the ceasefire. \"The Israeli military's withdrawal process is contingent on the Lebanese army deploying in southern Lebanon and fully and effectively enforcing the agreement, while Hezbollah withdraws beyond the Litani,\" the statement emphasized.
The ceasefire, brokered by the United States and France, brought an end to over a year of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah. The conflict had reached its peak with a major Israeli offensive that significantly weakened Hezbollah and resulted in the displacement of more than 1.2 million people in Lebanon.
Hezbollah has responded critically to the delay, labeling any postponement as an unacceptable breach of the agreement. According to a statement released by the group on Thursday, such a breach places the responsibility on the Lebanese state to address the violation \"through all means and methods guaranteed by international charters.\"
The Israeli military continues to operate in accordance with the ceasefire understandings, conducting strikes against Hezbollah's weapons storage facilities and observation posts in southern Lebanon in recent days. Despite these actions, Beirut has yet to provide an immediate comment on the situation.
The White House has called for a short, temporary ceasefire extension, highlighting the importance of allowing Israeli citizens to return home and supporting the Lebanese government's efforts. \"We are pleased that the IDF has started the withdrawal from the central regions, and we continue to work closely with our regional partners to finalize the extension,\" stated National Security Council spokesperson Brian Hughes.
Israel's campaign against Hezbollah aimed to secure the return of tens of thousands of displaced individuals in northern Israel. The military operations inflicted major losses on Hezbollah, including the killing of its leader Hassan Nasrallah and thousands of fighters, while decimating much of the group's arsenal. Additionally, Hezbollah's strength was further diminished in December when its Syrian ally, Bashar al-Assad, was overthrown by rebels, disrupting the group's overland supply route from Iran.
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Israeli forces to stay in south Lebanon past withdrawal deadline
cgtn.com
