Israel to Maintain Lebanon Troop Presence as Ceasefire Deadline Approaches “`

Israel’s military confirmed Friday that its troops will remain in Lebanon as a 60-day ceasefire agreement nears its end on Sunday.

The November ceasefire stipulated that Israel would withdraw its forces, deployed last fall to dismantle Hezbollah, within 60 days. 

However, Israeli officials contend that the withdrawal is contingent upon Lebanon fulfilling its obligations, including removing Hezbollah fighters and weapons from southern Lebanon and deploying Lebanese and UN troops to the region. These conditions, they argue, remain unmet.

A statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office Friday declared that, due to incomplete enforcement of the ceasefire by the Lebanese government, the withdrawal will proceed gradually, in coordination with the United States.

The statement emphasized Israel’s commitment to its citizens’ safety, characterizing the troop withdrawal as conditional upon actions taken by the Lebanese government and Beirut.

The U.S. supports Israel’s decision. As reported by The Times of Israel, President Trump is committed to ensuring the safe return of Israeli citizens while also supporting President Aoun and Lebanon’s new government. White House National Security Council spokesperson Brian Hughes stated that a brief ceasefire extension is needed to ensure Hezbollah cannot threaten Lebanon or its neighbors, adding that the IDF’s withdrawal from central regions has begun and they’re working with regional partners on extending the ceasefire.

Reports that Israel might not fully withdraw its troops by the January 26, 2025, deadline first surfaced Thursday. 

Hezbollah called on the Lebanese government and the ceasefire brokers (including the U.S. and France) to fully implement the withdrawal, deploy the Lebanese army across Lebanese territory, and swiftly return displaced people to their homes. The statement urged against any justifications for prolonging the Israeli presence.

Over 1.2 million people were displaced in Lebanon following Israel’s October incursion, triggered by clashes with Hezbollah after the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks. 

According to Israeli government spokesperson David Mencer, while some progress has been made with Lebanese army and UNIFIL replacing Hezbollah forces as agreed, the pace is insufficient, and much remains to be done.

Friday’s Israeli reports indicated a request to the Trump administration for a 30-day extension on the troop withdrawal. 

Digital could not immediately obtain comment from the White House, State Department, or the Lebanese government. 

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