Zionist regime announces intention to maintain military presence at five strategic positions in southern Lebanon
Zionist regime has not met the Tuesday deadline for its withdrawal from Lebanon, declaring its intent to maintain a presence in five occupied "strategic" areas within Lebanese territory.
Under a ceasefire agreement forged on November 27 between the Israeli state and the Lebanese resistance group Hezbollah, Tel Aviv was initially required to withdraw its forces from the occupied territories in Lebanon. However, due to Israel’s refusal to comply with the terms, the deadline for withdrawal has been extended to February 18.
The deadline for withdrawal lapsed on Tuesday, February 18, for Israeli forces. Israel has announced its decision to maintain its military presence in five key areas in southern Lebanon, contravening the terms of the truce. This decision comes amidst warnings from Hezbollah, which has accused the Israeli regime of breaching the agreement.
Israeli forces have maintained their positions at the outposts in Lebanon, according to military spokesperson Nadav Shoshani on Monday. This move is aimed at ensuring the ongoing protection of Israeli residents and mitigating any immediate threats.
Hezbollah has established a support front for Palestinians in the Gaza Strip following Israeli military actions described as genocidal against the embattled region on October 7, 2023. In response, Hezbollah has initiated numerous strikes against targets within Israeli-occupied areas.
Israel agreed to a truce with Hezbollah following significant losses on the battlefield and an inability to meet its objectives, despite inflicting over 4,000 casualties in Lebanon.
During the protracted occupation of southern Lebanon, approximately 100,000 individuals were forced to flee their homes, resulting in significant internal displacement across the region.
Over the weekend, Hezbollah issued a statement declaring that any Israeli forces remaining in the Arab country beyond Tuesday will be regarded as occupying forces.
Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun has expressed apprehension regarding the potential failure of Israeli forces to meet the February 18 withdrawal deadline, according to a statement issued by the Lebanese presidency on Monday. He emphasized that Beirut is actively pursuing efforts to secure a complete Israeli withdrawal.
Lebanese President Michel Aoun emphasized the necessity of securing an Israeli withdrawal, stating that efforts are actively underway on multiple fronts to pressure Israel into adhering to the terms of the agreement. He further underscored the importance of Israel withdrawing by the agreed-upon deadline and ensuring the return of prisoners.
Lebanese officials on the ceasefire oversight committee, which comprises members from the United States, France, and the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), have declined a proposal from Tel Aviv to continue its presence in at least five military positions in Lebanon until February 28. This date is ten days after the extended deadline for withdrawal.
Sources indicate that Washington has informed Tel Aviv that Israeli forces are required to pull out of southern Lebanon by February 18, with no additional extensions to the ongoing ceasefire.
Lebanese media reports indicate that since the ceasefire was implemented in late November, there have been more than 830 alleged violations by Israeli forces.
Under the terms of the original agreement, the Lebanese military was required to deploy alongside United Nations peacekeeping forces as Israel conducted its withdrawal. Concurrently, Hezbollah was to relocate its forces north of the Litani River.
This marks another instance of the Tel Aviv administration’s involvement in Lebanese territory. Israeli forces had previously withdrawn from Lebanon in 2000, concluding a 22-year period of occupation.
