Israel wants troops to be in Lebanon past truce deadline
Israel has requested to keep its troops in at least five military posts in southern Lebanon until February 28th, a Lebanese official and a foreign diplomat told Reuters on February 12th, The New Arab reported.
The request follows an earlier extension of the withdrawal deadline from January 26th to February 18th.
Lebanese representatives in the ceasefire oversight committee, which includes officials from the US, France, Israel, and UNIFIL, have rejected the request, according to Lebanese broadcaster LBCI. Israeli media reported that the proposal was submitted to US General Jasper Jeffers, the committee’s chairman.
Israel is seeking US approval to maintain its forces in “five to seven strategic positions” along the border, Israel’s Channel 14 reported. The right-wing Israeli daily Maariv said Israel may attempt to push the extension until March 1st, the scheduled date for northern Israeli residents to return to their homes.
Israeli forces remain stationed in several border villages, including Blida, Markaba, Adaisse, Houla, Kfar Kila, and Wazzani, as well as the Hamames hilltop, which overlooks northern Israel’s Galilee, Lebanese media has reported. Troops are also present in Yaroun, Maroun al-Ras, Jabal Balat, Laboune, in addition to the disputed Shebaa Farms and Kfarchouba Hills.
Israeli military spokesperson Avichay Adraee confirmed on X that troops would stay in southern Lebanon beyond the period of the ceasefire. His comment has reinforced concerns that Israel’s withdrawal may be delayed further.
A US official told The Times of Israel on February 11th that Washington opposes the extension and expects Israel to withdraw by February 18th. US Deputy Envoy for the Middle East, Morgan Ortagus, reiterated this position last week during her visit to Lebanon.
Israel’s military operations have devastated large parts of southern Lebanon, destroying homes and infrastructure through bombing and controlled demolitions.
According to The Arab Weekly via Reuters on February 9th Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani announced that humanitarian aid to Lebanon would continue to be a priority.
The New Arab, Reuters, The Arab Weekly
