Israeli forces will remain in southern Lebanon beyond a Monday deadline outlined in a ceasefire deal with Hezbollah, citing incomplete implementation of the agreement’s terms, the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Friday.
The ceasefire, brokered by the United States and France, took effect on November 27, ending over a year of conflict between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah. Under the agreement, Hezbollah was to withdraw its weapons and fighters from areas south of the Litani River, while Israeli forces would pull out as the Lebanese army deployed to the region. The arrangement was set to be completed by 4 a.m. (0200 GMT) on Monday.
In a statement, Netanyahu’s office said that 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. It added, “Since the ceasefire agreement has not yet been fully enforced by the Lebanese state, the gradual withdrawal process will continue, in full coordination with the United States.”
Hezbollah, however, issued a warning on Thursday, calling any delay in Israel’s withdrawal “an unacceptable breach of the agreement” and urged the Lebanese state to address it “through all means and methods guaranteed by international charters.” There has been no immediate response from Lebanon or Hezbollah to Israel’s announcement.
The year-long conflict saw significant damage to Hezbollah, including the death of its leader, Hassan Nasrallah, and the destruction of much of its weaponry. Israel has stated that its offensive was aimed at neutralising Hezbollah’s military capabilities and securing the return of tens of thousands of Israelis displaced by rocket attacks.
Hezbollah has also been further weakened by the loss of its Syrian ally, Bashar al-Assad, whose December overthrow severed its overland supply routes from Iran.
Israel’s continued military presence raises concerns about the stability of the ceasefire agreement. The situation remains tense, with international observers watching closely for developments.
