The Israeli government is pushing to maintain military positions in southern Lebanon beyond the Sunday withdrawal deadline stipulated in a ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah. The Israeli military's incursion into southern Lebanon on October 1 marked the culmination of a yearlong conflict with Hezbollah, which had launched attacks on Israeli-held territory in solidarity with Hamas.
Israeli officials have communicated their desire to the US administration for Israeli troops to stay in Lebanon for an additional 30 days. The Israeli security cabinet convened to deliberate on this matter, with discussions ongoing with the Trump administration to potentially extend the withdrawal timeline.
While the ceasefire agreement set a 60-day deadline for the IDF withdrawal from southern Lebanon, Israeli Ambassador Michael Herzog emphasized that this timeline is subject to negotiation. The US Department of Defense acknowledged progress in the withdrawal process and praised the commitment of the Lebanese Armed Forces to fulfill their obligations under the agreement.
Hezbollah's compliance with withdrawing its forces north of the Litani River remains a point of contention, with Israeli officials expressing concerns over the pace of the process. Hezbollah warned that any Israeli military presence beyond the deadline would be considered a breach of the agreement, necessitating action by the Lebanese state.
US Major General Jasper Jeffers, overseeing the ceasefire monitoring efforts, reported positive developments in southern Lebanon, highlighting effective Lebanese military operations in the region. The recent election of Joseph Aoun as Lebanon's president, supported by the US and signaling a shift towards state control of weapons, has brought a new dynamic to the region.
Despite military optimism, civilians in northern Israel remain cautious about the withdrawal's implications, fearing Hezbollah's proximity to the border in the absence of IDF presence. The uncertainty surrounding Hezbollah's military posture adds to the apprehension among residents, with concerns about the Lebanese army's ability to disarm the militant group.
As tensions persist and the withdrawal deadline approaches, the situation in southern Lebanon remains fluid, with stakeholders closely monitoring developments to ensure compliance with the ceasefire agreement.
