Lebanon rejects Israel’s request to delay withdrawal

Israel has reportedly requested an extension for withdrawing from occupied areas in southern Lebanon, but the Lebanese government has firmly rejected the request.

Key details

• According to Lebanon’s LBCI television, Israel sought an extension from the Ceasefire Monitoring Committee to delay its withdrawal until February 28.
• Beirut has categorically refused this request, insisting on the original deadline.
• The Times of Israel reported that Israel has also approached the U.S. for support in securing the extension.
• U.S. officials, speaking anonymously, indicated that Washington currently supports maintaining the February 18 deadline.

Background

Israel and Lebanon reached a ceasefire agreement on November 27, 2024, which required Israeli forces to withdraw from occupied areas in southern Lebanon within 60 days.

Israel had previously extended the deadline to February 18, citing concerns over the Lebanese army’s full deployment in the south.

Lebanon’s Ministry of Health reports that 75 people have been killed and 267 injured in Israeli attacks since the ceasefire.

As Israeli forces withdraw, reports indicate extensive destruction of homes and agricultural land in the affected areas.