IDF constructs fortified positions in Lebanon as US approves extended presence

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) is building five fortified positions in Lebanon after US approval to keep troops there beyond the ceasefire trial period ending February 25.

In recent development, Israel has requested to maintain its troops at five positions in southern Lebanon until February 28, a Lebanese official and a foreign diplomat said on February 12, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media. However, Lebanon has rejected the request.

Under a ceasefire agreement reached in November between Israel and Lebanon, Israeli forces were initially required to withdraw from southern Lebanon by January 26. The deal also stipulated that Hezbollah fighters would vacate the area, allowing Lebanese troops to take control.

That deadline had already been extended to February 18, but sources in Lebanon informed Reuters that Israel is now seeking a further ten-day extension.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment. However, Major General Ori Gordon, head of Israel’s Northern Command, expressed confidence that the agreement would be carried out.

"I believe we will indeed reposition ourselves next week and the agreement will be implemented," Gordon told Israel’s GLZ radio.

Meanwhile, Israeli military spokesman Avichay Adraee confirmed on X (formerly Twitter) that Israeli troops had remained in Lebanon beyond the first extension. He also instructed Lebanese civilians not to return to their homes in the south "until further notice."

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, in a meeting with Portuguese Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel, urged the European Union to pressure Israel into a full withdrawal by 18 February, according to a statement from the president’s office.

The ceasefire deal brought an end to more than a year of hostilities between Israel’s military and Hezbollah, which had unfolded alongside the conflict in Gaza.

The fighting escalated into a major Israeli air and ground offensive that displaced over a million people in Lebanon. The campaign left Hezbollah significantly weakened, with much of its military leadership eliminated in Israeli strikes.

Despite the ceasefire, Israeli forces have maintained a presence in parts of southern Lebanon, and the Israeli air force has continued to conduct strikes across the country, claiming to target Hezbollah arms depots and alleged weapon-smuggling operations.

Hezbollah has dismissed Israel’s reasoning for its continued military presence and has called on the Lebanese government to ensure a full withdrawal. While the group has not explicitly threatened to resume hostilities, tensions in the region remain high.

By Aghakazim Guliyev