The situation in southern Lebanon escalates with Israel retaining strategic positions despite a deadline for withdrawal, potentially destabilizing a fragile ceasefire.
# Israeli Forces Extend Presence in Southern Lebanon Amid Tensions
# Israeli Forces Extend Presence in Southern Lebanon Amid Tensions
Israel's military decision raises concerns for regional stability as Hezbollah's compliance remains uncertain.
As the January deadline for withdrawal expired, Israeli forces proclaimed they would continue to remain in five strategic locations in southern Lebanon, generating apprehensions about the potential for violence in the region. The ceasefire that followed a significantly deadly conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in November mandated both parties to refrain from any military actions, allowing Lebanese forces to take charge of southern territories by the end of January. Subsequent violence, however, prompted an extension of this deadline to February 18.
On Monday, an Israeli Defense Forces spokesperson, Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani, confirmed that troops would remain in their active positions until Lebanese military forces fully meet the terms of the agreement. However, no timeline was provided for how long this presence would endure. Concerns loom over Israel's ongoing military presence, which may disrupt the fragile peace and hinder thousands of Lebanese residents from returning safely to their homes.
As part of the ceasefire agreement, Hezbollah was also scheduled to withdraw from the area. Israel has repeatedly accused the group of failing to comply, even as U.S.-led observers commend the Lebanese military's presence. Disturbingly, the details surrounding Hezbollah's disarmament and full withdrawal have not been publicly confirmed, leaving many uncertain about the situation on the ground.
On Monday, an Israeli Defense Forces spokesperson, Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani, confirmed that troops would remain in their active positions until Lebanese military forces fully meet the terms of the agreement. However, no timeline was provided for how long this presence would endure. Concerns loom over Israel's ongoing military presence, which may disrupt the fragile peace and hinder thousands of Lebanese residents from returning safely to their homes.
As part of the ceasefire agreement, Hezbollah was also scheduled to withdraw from the area. Israel has repeatedly accused the group of failing to comply, even as U.S.-led observers commend the Lebanese military's presence. Disturbingly, the details surrounding Hezbollah's disarmament and full withdrawal have not been publicly confirmed, leaving many uncertain about the situation on the ground.
