Israel is seeking an extension for its troop withdrawal from southern Lebanon, originally scheduled for next week. The ceasefire agreement calls for Israeli military withdrawal and Hezbollah’s disarmament. Lebanese authorities reject any further delays, aiming to restore national sovereignty. The continuing presence of Israeli forces raises concerns due to Lebanon’s history with occupation and ongoing conflicts with Hezbollah.
Israel is reportedly seeking to extend its troop withdrawal deadline from southern Lebanon, as indicated by a Western diplomatic source. Originally scheduled for next week, Israel now wishes to maintain military presence at five locations until February 28. This extension has raised concerns in Lebanon, a country historically impacted by Israeli occupation, compounded by ongoing tensions in the region.
The ceasefire agreement that halted the 14-month conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, mediated by the US and France, went into effect on November 27. This deal mandates Israeli forces to withdraw from southern Lebanon while also ensuring Hezbollah’s disarmament from the area. Concurrently, the deployment of thousands of Lebanese soldiers is anticipated to establish control over the territory previously dominated by Hezbollah.
The ceasefire has already been postponed once, as Israel claimed Lebanon had not fully adhered to the agreement. In response, Lebanese authorities accused Israel of stalling its withdrawal process. The newly formed Lebanese government aims to restore territorial sovereignty and has firmly rejected any further delays, with President Joseph Aoun emphasizing, “There is no truth to reports that another extension had been agreed.”
The lingering presence of Israeli troops is a significant concern for the Lebanese populace, as Israel maintained southern Lebanon under occupation for 18 years until 2000. Although the ceasefire is in place, Israel remains focused on countering Hezbollah, conducting operations to prevent the group’s rearmament, with Israeli warplanes recently breaking the sound barrier over Beirut.
Despite setbacks during the conflict, Hezbollah retains substantial support among Lebanese Shia Muslims. The ceasefire is perceived as a potential surrender for the group, which has faced significant losses. The escalation of the conflict last September was marked by extensive Israeli airstrikes and a ground invasion, resulting in approximately 4,000 casualties and widespread displacement of over 1.2 million people.
Israel’s request for an extension of its troops’ stay in southern Lebanon has reignited tensions within the region, prompting strong reactions from the Lebanese government. The ceasefire agreement continues to face challenges, and the situation remains precarious as both Israel and Hezbollah navigate the aftermath of the conflict. The unresolved issues surrounding troop withdrawals and territorial sovereignty indicate ongoing instability in Lebanese-Israeli relations.
Original Source: www.bbc.co.uk
