Israeli troops might not withdraw from Lebanon by Sunday as per deadline: Report

Despite the ceasefire agreement signed in November, Israel is likely to keep troops stationed in parts of southern Lebanon beyond the given deadline. However, the security cabinet has yet to make a decision, Hebrew media outlet Ynet reported, citing an unnamed senior Israeli official. 

The security cabinet held a meeting last night and got an overview of the situation. However, it did not come to an agreement, on whether the government should approve the IDF’s withdrawal or push for a 30-day extension. 

As per the ceasefire’s terms, the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) is required to cede all of its positions in southern Lebanon to the Lebanese Armed Forces by January 26.

Also read: ICJ judge Nawaf Salam appointed as Lebanon Prime Minister by President Joseph Aoun

However, Israel has asked for a 30-day extension, saying that the Lebanese army has deployed too slowly across the region, allowing Hezbollah time to regroup.

The Israeli official, before the cabinet meeting, said that the withdrawal would not be fully carried out by Sunday, adding that the IDF would instead keep its troops stationed in certain areas for some time. 

Also read: West Asia crisis: Hope new Lebanon president will help achieve ‘stability,’ says Israel

The official further stressed that if it were to do so, it would be in coordination with the US President Donald Trump’s administration. 

This comes after Army Radio reported on Thursday that Trump was less inclined to grant a 30-day reprieve than was his predecessor Joe Biden, and wants Israeli troops to withdraw completely by Sunday. 

Earlier on Thursday, Israel’s ambassador to the US said that the government is seeking to keep military positions in southern Lebanon past a Sunday withdrawal deadline.

Also read: Who is Joseph Aoun? Lebanon’s new US-backed President

The Israeli government also told Trump that they want to extend the deadline. However, it is not clear yet whether Trump administration has responded to the request or taken it to the Lebanese government. 

Disclaimer: WION takes the utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and non-state actors like the Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos.

(With inputs from agencies)