Hezbollah urges full Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon as deadline nears
4 Min Read
The Islamic Resistance in Lebanon urges the Israeli occupation to withdraw from southern Lebanon as the deadline for the withdrawal nears amid leaks that it wishes to stay.
-
Destroyed buildings in an area of the village of Odaisseh in southern Lebanon (AP Photo)
As the 60-day deadline for the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanese territories nears its end, Hezbollah issued a statement emphasizing the necessity for the Israeli occupation to fully comply with the ceasefire agreement. The statement highlights the importance of ensuring that the Israeli occupation forces withdraw entirely from Lebanon, as stipulated in the agreement.
Hezbollah's statement comes amid reports of potential delays in the Israeli withdrawal, with some leaks suggesting that the occupation may seek to extend its presence in Lebanon. The group calls on Lebanese political authorities to exert pressure on the countries sponsoring the agreement to ensure its full implementation.
"The leaks indicating that the enemy plans to delay its withdrawal and remain in Lebanon for a longer duration require everyone, especially the political authorities in Lebanon, to exert pressure on the countries sponsoring the agreement," Hezbollah said.
Hezbollah stressed the need for active monitoring of the final days of the deadline to guarantee the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces, the deployment of the Lebanese army to the last inch of Lebanese land, and the swift return of residents to their villages.
"It is essential to actively monitor the final days of the deadline to ensure complete withdrawal, deployment of the Lebanese army to the last inch of Lebanese land, the swift return of residents to their villages, and preventing any excuses or justifications for prolonging the occupation."
'Blatant violation of the agreement'
The statement warns that any breach of the 60-day deadline would be considered a blatant violation of the agreement and an encroachment on Lebanese sovereignty. Hezbollah asserts that such a situation would necessitate a response from the Lebanese state through all means and methods guaranteed by international treaties to reclaim and liberate the land from occupation.
Hezbollah also emphasizes that any attempt to evade the agreement under weak pretexts will be unacceptable. The group calls for strict adherence to the agreement without any concessions, as the situation is closely monitored in anticipation of the complete withdrawal in the coming days.
"As we closely monitor the situation, which should culminate in the complete withdrawal in the coming days, any breach of the agreement and commitments will be unacceptable. We call for strict adherence without any concessions," the statement concluded.
Reports suggesting extension request
A source familiar with the details who spoke to the Israeli newspaper Haaretz said the Israeli occupation has requested the United States to delay the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon by 30 days beyond the deadline set in the ceasefire agreement.
According to the publication, the United States, France, Lebanon, and the Israeli occupation are in intensive discussions regarding this matter, as reported by a French diplomatic source. The source explained that France would accept any outcome agreed upon by the concerned parties, including Lebanon and the Israeli occupation, to ensure the continuation of the ceasefire.
In a radio interview with the Israeli Army Radio, Michael Herzog, the Israeli occupation's ambassador to the United States, confirmed that "Israel' was in discussions with President Trump's administration to extend the Israeli military's presence in southern Lebanon beyond the upcoming Sunday, the scheduled withdrawal date according to the ceasefire agreement.
He added that the US administration understands the Israeli occupation's security needs and expects to reach an understanding on this issue.
The agreement stipulates that the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon must occur within 60 days of its signing, with the Lebanese army taking over the area.
However, Herzog claimed that "this is not fixed" and said the "agreement allows for certain flexibility." He explained that the discussions with Trump administration officials aim to "extend the time necessary to allow the Lebanese army to deploy its forces and carry out its mission as per the agreement."
The ceasefire agreement came into effect on November 27, and it requires the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon over a 60-day period. During this time, the Lebanese army is to move its forces to the southern border.
