BEIRUT: Lebanese Army Accuses Israel of "Procrastination" in Withdrawal
The Lebanese army has accused Israel of "procrastination" in its withdrawal from the south, a day before the pull-out deadline, as the two countries remain at odds over the implementation of a ceasefire agreement.
Deployment in the South
Under the terms of the Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire that came into effect on November 27, the Lebanese army is set to deploy alongside United Nations peacekeepers in the south as the Israeli army withdraws over a 60-day period that ends tomorrow. Hezbollah is to pull back its forces north of the Litani River – about 30km from the Israeli border – and dismantle any remaining military infrastructure in the south.
Withdrawal Delayed
However, the Lebanese army has accused Israel of delaying its withdrawal, saying that "there has been a delay at a number of stages as a result of the procrastination in the withdrawal from the Israeli enemy’s side." The army stated that it is "ready to continue its deployment as soon as the Israeli enemy withdraws."
Israeli Response
In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said that the military’s withdrawal would continue beyond the deadline tomorrow. "The withdrawal process is conditional upon the Lebanese army deploying in southern Lebanon and fully and effectively enforcing the agreement, with Hezbollah withdrawing beyond the Litani River," a statement from Netanyahu’s office said. "Since the ceasefire agreement has not yet been fully enforced by the Lebanese state, the gradual withdrawal process will continue in full coordination with the US."
Ceasefire Mediators
Ceasefire mediators the US and France have helped monitor the implementation of the ceasefire agreement.
Be Cautious
The Lebanese army has urged people to "be cautious in heading back to the southern border areas, due to the presence of mines and suspicious objects left behind" by Israeli forces. Lebanese state news agency NNA reported that some people displaced from border areas had received international calls, purportedly from an Israeli military spokesman, warning them not to return home. It also reported that several border villages had been sealed off by the Israeli army while troops carried out demolitions.
Flagrant Violation
Hezbollah has warned that "any violation of the 60-day deadline will be considered a flagrant violation of (the ceasefire) agreement, an infringement on Lebanese sovereignty and the occupation entering a new chapter." The group has called on the Lebanese state to use "all means necessary… to restore the land and wrest it from the clutches of the occupation."
Conclusion
The situation remains tense in the region, with both sides at odds over the implementation of the ceasefire agreement. The international community is closely monitoring the situation, as the world waits with bated breath to see if the agreement will hold.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the current situation in the region?
A: The situation in the region remains tense, with both Israel and Hezbollah at odds over the implementation of a ceasefire agreement.
Q: What is the deadline for Israel’s withdrawal?
A: The deadline for Israel’s withdrawal is tomorrow, but the Israeli government has stated that it will continue its withdrawal beyond the deadline.
Q: What is the role of ceasefire mediators in the region?
A: Ceasefire mediators the US and France are helping to monitor the implementation of the ceasefire agreement.
Q: What is the stance of Hezbollah on the situation?
A: Hezbollah has warned that "any violation of the 60-day deadline will be considered a flagrant violation of (the ceasefire) agreement, an infringement on Lebanese sovereignty and the occupation entering a new chapter."