Israeli withdrawal to be completed by Feb 18: Lebanese PM
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Washington had previously approved a three-week extension for Israeli forces in the eastern sector of South Lebanon but is now satisfied with the Lebanese Army's progress in securing the region.
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Lebanese Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam holds up a copy of the Lebanese Constitution as he speaks to journalists after his meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun at the presidential palace in Baabda, east of Beirut, Lebanon, Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025 (AP)
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam affirmed on Tuesday evening that he will work to ensure the Israeli withdrawal is completed on time, or even before the scheduled date. He stated, "We will exert pressure on Israel through diplomatic channels."
In his first televised interview, conducted from the Grand Serail, Salam said, "Lebanon has fulfilled its role in implementing UN Resolution 1701 and its monitoring mechanism. We are not falling short in our commitments." He noted that the ministerial statement will address the challenges facing the country, particularly the Israeli withdrawal and reconstruction efforts.
Salam also revealed that there is a possibility for Syrian refugees to return following a change in the Syrian leadership. He announced plans to visit Damascus and meet with Interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa.
US reinforces February 18 withdrawal deadline
On Monday, Israeli media reported that the United States conveyed a message to the Israeli leadership, stating that the ceasefire in Lebanon will not be extended and that Israeli forces must withdraw by February 18. A spokesperson for the US National Security Council confirmed that "Israel's" withdrawal remains on schedule and that Tel Aviv has not requested an extension.
Washington had previously approved a three-week extension for Israeli forces in the eastern sector of southern Lebanon but is now satisfied with the Lebanese Army's progress in securing the region. According to "Israel's" i24NEWS, US officials believe that Lebanese forces have sufficiently deployed on the ground under the agreement.
Despite this, Israeli officials are still engaged in negotiations with the US, seeking a more favorable outcome regarding their withdrawal. Reports indicate that Israeli forces may begin withdrawing from additional areas in southern Lebanon in the coming days as part of ongoing diplomatic discussions.
Lebanese President Aoun calls for Israeli accountability
At a recent meeting with US Deputy Special Envoy to the Middle East, Morgan Ortagus, at Baabda Palace, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun reaffirmed that lasting stability in southern Lebanon depends on "Israel's" full withdrawal from occupied territories and complete implementation of UN Resolution 1701. He also emphasized that the release of Lebanese detainees remains an integral part of the agreement and called for an immediate halt to Israeli hostilities.
"Israeli assaults must cease, including the killing of innocents and soldiers, the destruction of homes, and the bulldozing and burning of agricultural lands," Aoun stated.
The Lebanese Army has committed to fully deploying in areas vacated by Israeli forces, with Aoun stating that the army is prepared to assume security control over the villages and towns affected by the occupation. He also underlined Lebanon's ongoing cooperation with international forces to ensure the full implementation of Resolution 1701 and gradually restore normal life in liberated areas.
Israeli violations continue despite talks
Even as "Israel" prepares for withdrawal, Israeli military violations of the ceasefire in Lebanon persist. According to Al Mayadeen's correspondent, Israeli warplanes conducted multiple airstrikes two days ago, targeting areas in southern Lebanon, the Bekaa Valley, and Hermel near the Lebanese-Syrian border.
Despite the ceasefire agreement, Israeli forces have continued cross-border aggression, prompting concerns about their actual commitment to the withdrawal plan. Lebanese officials have warned that these actions threaten to destabilize the security situation ahead of the February 18 deadline.
