Israel to Miss Deadline to Withdraw from Southern Lebanon
The Israeli military is expected to miss a Sunday deadline to withdraw from southern Lebanon, according to a ceasefire deal that ended its war with Hezbollah two months ago.
Background
Under the terms of the Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire that took effect on November 27, the Lebanese army is to deploy alongside United Nations peacekeepers in the south as the Israeli army withdraws over a 60-day period that ends on Sunday. The deal stipulates that Hezbollah pull back its forces north of the Litani River, about 30 kilometres (20 miles) from the border, and dismantle any remaining military infrastructure in the south.
Current Situation
On Saturday, the Lebanese army said a delay in implementing the agreement was the "result of the procrastination in the withdrawal from the Israeli enemy’s side." Israeli forces have left coastal areas of southern Lebanon, but are still present in areas further east.
Israeli Prime Minister’s Office
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said on Friday that "the ceasefire agreement has not yet been fully enforced by the Lebanese state" and so the military’s withdrawal would continue beyond the Sunday deadline. The office added that "the gradual withdrawal process will continue in full coordination with the United States", a key ally and one of the monitors of the ceasefire.
Lebanese Army’s Response
The Lebanese army said it was "ready to continue its deployment as soon as the Israeli enemy withdraws."
Hezbollah’s Response
Hezbollah lawmaker Ali Fayad said on Saturday that Israel’s "excuses" were a pretext to "pursue a scorched earth policy" in border areas that would make the return of displaced residents "impossible."
Lebanese President’s Office
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, who took office earlier this month, spoke on Saturday with his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron, whose government is also involved in overseeing the truce. According to a statement from his office, Aoun spoke of the "need to oblige Israel to respect the terms of the deal in order to maintain stability in the south." Aoun also said Israel must "end its successive violations, including the destruction of border villages… which would prevent the return of residents."
Conclusion
The fragile ceasefire has generally held, even as the warring sides have repeatedly traded accusations of violating it. The Israeli military has continued to carry out frequent strikes which it says targeted Hezbollah fighters, and Lebanese state media has reported that Israeli forces were carrying out demolitions in villages they control.
FAQs
Q: What is the deadline for Israel’s withdrawal from southern Lebanon?
A: The deadline is Sunday, but it is expected to be missed.
Q: What are the terms of the ceasefire deal?
A: The deal stipulates that Hezbollah pull back its forces north of the Litani River and dismantle any remaining military infrastructure in the south, while the Lebanese army deploys alongside United Nations peacekeepers in the south.
Q: Why is Israel’s withdrawal being delayed?
A: According to the Lebanese army, the delay is due to Israel’s procrastination in withdrawing its forces. Israel’s Prime Minister’s office has stated that the withdrawal will continue beyond the deadline due to the lack of full enforcement of the ceasefire agreement by the Lebanese state.
Q: What is the response of the Lebanese government and Hezbollah to the delay?
A: The Lebanese government has called on Israel to respect the terms of the deal and has accused Israel of pursuing a "scorched earth policy" in border areas. Hezbollah has warned that any violation of the 60-day deadline will be considered a flagrant violation of the ceasefire agreement and an infringement on Lebanese sovereignty.