Lebanon agrees to extend Israeli troop presence in exchange for prisoner release

The extension of the original ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel has come at Israel’s request and has been reluctantly accepted by Lebanon in exchange for the release of Hezbollah prisoners of war and others. 

The 60-day ceasefire, which had halted a brutal conflict between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah, was initially expected to result in a permanent ceasefire and Israel’s full withdrawal from southern Lebanon, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media. 

However, the ceasefire expired on January 26, with Israeli forces still stationed in southern villages. Despite Israeli forces killing 22 Lebanese civilians who were attempting to return to their homes in the occupied regions, the Israeli military told mediators it needed additional time to dismantle Hezbollah’s infrastructure. Lebanese sources, however, suggested that Israel’s motives also included testing Hezbollah's response while continuing to render the border villages "uninhabitable." “Lebanon had no choice but to accept.

The only way to save face was to demand negotiations and the release of Hezbollah and other prisoners,” a senior Lebanese security source said. Lebanon, dealing with widespread devastation, and Hezbollah, which endured heavy losses in its conflict with Israel, agreed to extend the truce until February 18 following negotiations with the US. The US had originally advocated for a complete Israeli withdrawal. 

On January 27, the Lebanese government confirmed its decision to extend the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah for three weeks, following discussions with the US. 

While Israeli troops have withdrawn from coastal areas in the south, they continue to maintain a presence further east. A political source in Beirut confirmed that the decision to extend the truce “was not made at the last moment,” noting that Lebanese officials had been in discussions “days before the deadline.” 

By Naila Huseynova