Israel plans to withdraw troops from Lebanon by the February 18 deadline, which may resolve the standoff with the Lebanese government. Despite this, tensions remain high as recent Israeli military actions continue to provoke responses from Lebanon. Meanwhile, disputes over air traffic rights between Lebanon and Iran have further complicated regional relations.
Israel is reportedly set to withdraw its troops from Lebanon before the established deadline of February 18, according to a senior Israeli security official. This move, if realized, may end the ongoing standoff with the Lebanese government. The official noted, “We are still deployed in accordance with the US monitored agreement and we are working closely with the US to make sure that handing over responsibility to the Lebanese army will happen within the timeline.”
The situation was heightened when Israel indicated earlier this week it might not adhere to the agreed timeline, which had already been extended from January 26 at Israel’s request. Lebanese officials, including President Joseph Aoun and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, have insisted on the full withdrawal by February 18. The Israeli official did not clarify if troops would also retreat from five specified locations.
The U.S. has reportedly rebuffed an Israeli request to keep most troops in Lebanon but may permit a limited long-term presence in the southern part of the country. These discussions are taking place amid heightened military activity, as Israeli warplanes have targeted sites in southern Lebanon, alleging that they struck Hezbollah missile platforms—a claim Lebanese state media corroborated, reporting multiple airstrikes without any casualties.
Furthermore, U.S. envoy Morgan Ortagus is scheduled to return to Lebanon to discuss the ceasefire negotiations following increased Israeli military actions that Lebanon claims violate the agreement. The escalation has been marked by accusations from Lebanon of numerous ceasefire violations by Israel since the agreement’s signing.
In a separate development, tensions between Lebanon and Iran have escalated due to flight blockages at Beirut International Airport. Following Lebanese authorities denying two Iranian flights permission to land, Iran also barred Middle East Airlines flights from arriving in Tehran. These incidents are part of ongoing negotiations, as both sides try to resolve the conflict over air traffic protocols.
Israel appears poised to withdraw its troops from Lebanon by the February 18 deadline, which could alleviate existing tensions with the Lebanese government. Despite this potential progress, ongoing military activities and air strikes suggest that the situation remains volatile. Additionally, the conflict between Lebanon and Iran over flight permissions adds another layer of complexity to the geopolitical landscape in the region.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
