Israel extends presence in South Lebanon's eastern sector beyond deadline

The Israeli military has informed the South Lebanon agreement monitoring commission that the IDF will remain in parts of Lebanese territory in the eastern sector beyond the agreed withdrawal deadline of January 26.

While the Israeli withdrawal from the western and central sectors is expected to proceed on schedule, the IDF intends to retain control over five strategic positions in the east, Caliber.Az reports referring to international media sources.

The report highlights that Israel is seeking approval from US President Donald Trump to extend its stay in the area. In response, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has urged the US and France to pressure Israel into adhering to the withdrawal timeline. However, US General Jasper Jeffers, head of the agreement monitoring commission, has reportedly informed Lebanese officials that additional time is needed to dismantle Hezbollah's infrastructure in the region.

On January 22, Lebanese armoured vehicles, accompanied by UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon) troops, were deployed to the Kfar Shuba area near the Israeli border in the eastern sector, signalling Lebanon's concern over the delay.

The ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah reached on November 27, 2024, marked the start of the Israeli army's withdrawal from Lebanese territory under specific terms, including the right to strike Hezbollah fighters deemed a security threat. Since the truce, sporadic exchanges of fire have been reported between Israeli forces and Hezbollah positions, reflecting ongoing tensions despite the cessation of large-scale hostilities.

By Tamilla Hasanova