Israel to continue troop withdrawal from southern Lebanon beyond 60-day deadline

Israeli prime minister’s office has announced that the withdrawal of troops from southern Lebanon will continue beyond the 60-day ceasefire period, as Lebanon has not yet met all conditions of the deal.

The 60-day ceasefire period came into effect on November 27, 2024, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media. 

"The ceasefire agreement in Lebanon stipulated that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) should be gradually withdrawn within 60 days. This provision was made with the understanding that the process of withdrawal could take longer than 60 days. Since the ceasefire agreement has not yet been fully implemented by Lebanon, the gradual withdrawal of troops will continue in full coordination with the US," the statement reads. 

The Israeli prime minister's office emphasised that the process of withdrawing the Israel Defense Forces is contingent upon the Lebanese army being deployed in southern Lebanon to fully and effectively implement the terms of the agreement, with [the Shiite movement] Hezbollah retreating behind the Litani River.

Israel will not put its settlements or citizens at risk and will insist on the full implementation of the ceasefire agreement to achieve the military objectives in the north, which include ensuring the safe return of residents to their houses in northern Israel. According to the ceasefire terms, the withdrawal of Israeli troops from southern Lebanon was initially expected to be completed by January 27.

By Naila Huseynova