In a decisive move just two days before the scheduled withdrawal deadline, Israel announced Friday afternoon that its military forces will remain in southern Lebanon, citing the Lebanese army's failure to meet its commitments under the ceasefire agreement.
This development follows an exclusive report by Israel Hayom a month ago, which revealed Israel's strategic consideration to maintain IDF forces at key tactical positions in southern Lebanon, even after the expiration of the agreement's 60-day withdrawal deadline to the international border.
The official statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office elaborated on the decision: "The Lebanon ceasefire framework included a provision for the IDF's phased withdrawal to be completed within 60 days. This clause was deliberately formulated to account for the possibility that the withdrawal process might extend beyond the initial 60-day timeframe. The IDF's withdrawal is specifically conditional upon the Lebanese army's deployment in southern Lebanon and its full and effective enforcement of the agreement, including Hezbollah's withdrawal north of the Litani River.
"Given Lebanon's incomplete enforcement of the ceasefire agreement, the phased withdrawal process will proceed at a pace that ensures security, maintaining full coordination with the United States. The State of Israel remains steadfast in its commitment to protect its communities and citizens, and will continue to pursue its military objectives in the north until residents can safely return to their homes."
