US tells 'Israel' withdrawal from South Lebanon set for February 18
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A spokesperson for the US National Security Council says "Israel's" withdrawal from South Lebanon remains on schedule, adding that Tel Aviv has not requested an extension.
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An Israeli soldier monitors as a Lebanese soldier stands guard near behind barbed wire in Deir Mimas in southern Lebanon, behind a roadblock set up by Israeli soldiers further south to stop the residents of the border still under occupation from returning home, on February 2, 2025. (AFP)
The United States has conveyed a message to "Israel" stating that the ceasefire with Lebanon will not be extended and the withdrawal of Israeli troops from southern Lebanon must take place on February 18, Israeli media reported.
The US had approved an extension of the Israeli military's presence in Southern Lebanon, particularly in the eastern sector, for an additional three weeks. However, according to the Israeli news outlet Central Edition, Washington is now "satisfied" with the progress made by the Lebanese Army under the agreement and believes it has sufficiently deployed on the ground.
The report revealed that Israeli officials are still engaged in negotiations with the US in an attempt to secure a more favorable outcome, with expectations that the Israeli forces will withdraw from additional areas in southern Lebanon in the coming days.
Commenting on the situation, a spokesperson for the US National Security Council stated that "Israel's" withdrawal remains on schedule, adding that Tel Aviv has not requested an extension.
This comes as the Israeli military continues to violate the ceasefire in Lebanon. 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.
Aoun meets US envoy, urges Israeli withdrawal from south of Lebanon
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun reaffirmed during a meeting with US Deputy Special Envoy to the Middle East, Morgan Ortagus, at Baabda Palace on Friday that lasting stability in southern Lebanon depends on "Israel's" full withdrawal from occupied territories and the complete implementation of UN Resolution 1701, including the provisions of the November 27 agreement.
He also emphasized the importance of securing the release of Lebanese detainees, declaring, "The release of Lebanese detainees is an integral part of this agreement."
Addressing the ongoing Israeli violations, Aoun called for an end 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," he stressed.
The president reaffirmed Lebanon’s readiness to ensure security in areas from which Israeli forces withdraw.
The Lebanese Army is ready to deploy in the villages and towns from which Israeli forces are withdrawing, with the goal of completing the withdrawal by the February 18 deadline," he said.
Aoun also underlined Lebanon’s ongoing cooperation with international forces to uphold Resolution 1701.
"Cooperation with international forces will continue constructively to implement Resolution 1701, aiming to secure stability and gradually restore life to the liberated areas, which require a comprehensive plan and minimum living conditions," he affirmed.
