Israel Set to Miss Deadline for Withdrawal from Southern Lebanon"

BEIRUT — Israel is unlikely to meet today’s deadline for its withdrawal from southern Lebanon as part of a ceasefire deal with Hezbollah, which was agreed upon in November after two months of conflict.

Under the terms of the deal, the Lebanese army and UN peacekeepers were to move into southern Lebanon as Israeli forces gradually withdrew within a 60-day period. However, Lebanon’s army has blamed delays on Israeli procrastination, noting that while Israeli troops have pulled back from coastal areas, they remain in more eastern regions.

Israel has also pointed to non-implementation by the Lebanese government, specifically Hezbollah’s failure to pull its forces north of the Litani River and dismantle military infrastructure in the south. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office stated that the withdrawal will continue beyond today’s deadline until Lebanon enforces the full terms of the agreement.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has called for Israel to respect the terms of the ceasefire, stressing the importance of stability in the south, while Hezbollah has accused Israel of using delays as an excuse for a "scorched earth" policy that would prevent displaced residents from returning.

Despite the ceasefire holding overall, both sides have continued to accuse each other of violations, with Israeli forces carrying out strikes and demolitions in areas they control. Hezbollah, in turn, warned that any extension beyond the deadline would be seen as a violation of Lebanese sovereignty.