Israel sets up new military outposts in S. Lebanon amid withdrawal tensions
Israeli forces stand atop a Merkava tank stationed near the border with Lebanon in the upper Galilee region of northern Israel on November 27, 2024, after a ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel took effect. - A ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon took hold on November 27 after more than a year of fighting that has killed thousands, with displaced people returning home in the south, against warnings from both sides. (Photo by Jalaa MAREY / AFP)
The Israeli military has begun setting up five new military outposts in southern Lebanon as tensions persist over the withdrawal deadline.
According to Israel’s state broadcaster KAN, the Israeli army claims to have detected Hezbollah’s efforts to reorganize in southern Lebanon.
The report states that Hezbollah’s actions violate the cease-fire agreement, and Israel is establishing new military positions to counteract its activities.
In parallel with these new outposts, Israeli forces are expected to withdraw from certain Shiite villages in the region.
KAN previously reported that the U.S. had permitted Israeli troops to maintain a prolonged presence in some areas despite the looming withdrawal deadline.
Negotiations continue over five key positions near the Blue Line, with a crucial meeting on the matter scheduled for Feb. 14 in Ras Naqoura, southern Lebanon.
Withdrawal deadline concerns
- Israeli and Lebanese media have reported that Israel requested an extension from the U.S. to delay its withdrawal from southern Lebanon.
- Lebanon’s LBCI reported that Israel formally sought to push the withdrawal deadline to Feb. 28.
- The Times of Israel reported that while Israel has approached the U.S. for an extension, Washington currently supports maintaining the original Feb. 18 deadline.
Background on cease-fire agreement
The cease-fire between Israel and Lebanon took effect on Nov. 27, 2024.
The agreement stipulated that Lebanon’s army would gradually deploy in southern Lebanon, and Israeli forces would withdraw within 60 days.
However, citing incomplete Lebanese military deployment, Israel extended its presence in the region until February 18.
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