As the 60-day ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah nears its end, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has affirmed its continued presence in southern Lebanon. The truce, established in November, stipulated a phased IDF withdrawal upon fulfillment of certain conditions, including the removal of Hezbollah militants and weaponry from the region and the subsequent deployment of Lebanese and UN forces. However, Israeli authorities maintain that these prerequisites haven't been adequately met, justifying the IDF's ongoing operations.
Israeli soldiers from the 769th Brigade are pictured conducting operations in southern Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah threats. (Photo provided by the IDF, Jan. 24, 2025)
The Israeli Prime Minister's office released a statement on Friday, emphasizing that the withdrawal process remains contingent upon receiving satisfactory security assurances from both Hezbollah and the Lebanese government. The statement underscored Israel's commitment to the safety of its citizens and communities. The United States has expressed support for Israel's stance, suggesting a short-term extension of the ceasefire to facilitate the complete fulfillment of the agreement's terms and ensure a secure return for displaced Israeli residents.
Mourners gather at the funeral of Hezbollah member Hassan Ghassan Hijazi, who was killed in an Israeli strike in Tayr Debba, southern Lebanon, on January 11, 2025. (Photo by Courtney Bonneau/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images)
Hezbollah, in response, has called upon the Lebanese government and the international mediators involved in the ceasefire negotiations, particularly the U.S. and France, to ensure the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces and the restoration of Lebanese authority throughout the region. The group has urged against any justifications for extending the Israeli presence. The October incursion by Israel, triggered by escalating missile exchanges with Hezbollah following the Hamas attacks in October 2023, resulted in the displacement of over 1.2 million people in Lebanon. While acknowledging some progress in the deployment of Lebanese and UN forces, an Israeli government spokesperson indicated that the pace of implementation has been insufficient.
Israeli soldiers from the 769th Brigade are shown continuing their operations against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon. (Photo provided by the IDF, Jan. 24, 2025)
Reports suggest that Israel has requested a 30-day extension from the U.S. to complete its troop withdrawal from Lebanon. Attempts to obtain comments from the White House, State Department, and Lebanese government for immediate confirmation were unsuccessful.
