The Israeli administration has reportedly requested another extension to the deadline for its withdrawal from territories occupied in southern Lebanon, a request that Beirut has rejected.
Lebanon’s LBCI television reported that Israel is seeking a second extension for its withdrawal from occupied territories in southern Lebanon. Initially, Israel was required to withdraw all troops from Lebanon by the end of January but had previously requested the US to postpone this deadline to February 18. Now, Israel has applied to the Ceasefire Supervision Committee, requesting an extension to February 28.
The Lebanese administration has “absolutely rejected” Israel’s request to extend the withdrawal period until February 28.
Meanwhile, according to a report in the Times of Israel, the Israeli administration has applied to the US for an extension of the deadline for withdrawal from areas it occupies in southern Lebanon.
Unnamed US officials cited in the news report indicated that Washington favors adhering to the February 18 deadline for Israel’s withdrawal “for now.”
A ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel was established on November 27, 2024. Under this agreement, the Israeli army was to withdraw from occupied points in southern Lebanon within 60 days. However, Israel extended the occupation period until February 18, citing that the Lebanese army had not “fully settled” in the south of the country.
According to statements from the Lebanese Ministry of Health, 75 people have been killed and 267 injured in attacks by the Israeli army since the ceasefire was reached.
The Israeli army is causing large-scale destruction in areas it withdraws from, including homes and agricultural lands.
