SDEROT, ISRAEL - OCTOBER 8: Israeli soldiers in an armoured personnel carrier head towards the southern border with the Gaza Strip on October 8, 2023 in Sderot, Israel. On Saturday, the Palestinian militant group Hamas launched the largest surprise attack from Gaza in a generation, sending thousands of missiles and an unknown number of fighters by land, who shot and kidnapped Israelis in communities near the Gaza border. The attack prompted retaliatory strikes on Gaza and a declaration of war by the Israeli prime minister. (Footage by Amir Levy/Getty Images)
(EPICSTORIAN) – Israel has confirmed that its military will not fully withdraw from southern Lebanon by the Sunday deadline, citing Lebanon’s failure to meet key ceasefire terms.
“The IDF withdrawal is conditional upon the Lebanese army deploying in southern Lebanon,” stated the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office. “Since the ceasefire agreement has not yet been fully enforced by Lebanon, the gradual withdrawal process will continue, in full coordination with the United States.”
Under the November ceasefire deal, both Israel and Hezbollah were required to withdraw by January 26. However, an Israeli official disclosed that Israel has requested a 30-day extension to reassess the situation.
Hezbollah warned that if Israeli forces remain beyond the deadline, it would be “considered a brazen breach of the agreement.”
While US officials acknowledge progress in Lebanon’s military deployment, Israeli authorities argue it is moving too slowly, raising concerns over Hezbollah’s continued presence near the border.
