Israeli forces will not be fully withdrawn from southern Lebanon by the 60-day deadline agreed upon under a cease-fire agreement with Hezbollah, Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced.
IDF’s withdrawal, Netanyahu said, “is conditional on the Lebanese Army deploying in Southern Lebanon and fully and effectively enforcing the agreement, while Hezbollah withdraws beyond the Litani,” The Times of Israel reported.
Lebanon has “not yet fully enforced” its part of the bargain, the prime minister said, and, as a result, a gradual withdrawal process will continue “in full coordination with the United States.”
Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Lebanon has “not yet fully enforced” its part of the agreement, impacting the withdrawal. REUTERSThe original 60-day deadline was slated for Sunday, Jan. 26 – but Israel has been pushing for a 30-day extension due to security concerns on its northern border and is preparing for renewed hostilities with Hezbollah, according to The Times of Israel.
Hezbollah officials said Thursday that it would not accept the IDF staying in southern Lebanon beyond the 60 day limit.
Israeli officials have accused Hezbollah of violating the terms of the cease-fire hundreds of times with weapons movements and attempted attacks on Israeli troops and territory.
Israel has been pushing for a 30-day extension to the 60-day deadline under the cease-fire agreement with Hezbollah due to security concerns on its northern border. AP
Damaged buildings in Naqoura, near the border with Israel and southern Lebanon on Jan. 23, 2025. REUTERSIsrael is also worried that the Lebanese government’s slow deployment to the region could leave a power vacuum for Hezbollah to fill.
“Israel is committed to implementing the ceasefire agreement, but will not compromise on its security,” Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar said earlier this week.
The cease-fire deal, signed by both parties in November following a US-led effort, called on Israeli forces to pull out of Lebanon and for Hezbollah to retreat 18 miles from the border.
The deal requires Israeli forces to pull out of Lebanon and for Hezbollah to retreat 18 miles from the border. AFP via Getty Images
“Israel is committed to implementing the ceasefire agreement, but will not compromise on its security,” Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar said. REUTERSIt also allowed hundreds of thousands of displaced people in Israel and Lebanon to return to their homes after more than a year of daily missile attacks.
Netanyahu said that the deal with the Iran-backed militant group was worded “with the understanding that the withdrawal process may continue beyond 60 days.”
However, the cease-fire explicitly states IDF troops’ withdrawal “should not exceed 60 days,” according to The Times of Israel.
Changes to the deal can only be approved through the US, France and international mediators.
President Trump’s new administration is reportedly not in favor of approving the extension, but Israel’s ambassador to the US told local outlets he’s optimistic the two nations will “reach an understanding” and the 30 days would be granted.
