Israel Seeks US Approval To Delay Lebanon Withdrawal After Ceasefire Deal
Israel is requesting US support to delay its withdrawal from southern Lebanon, originally stipulated to end by January 26 under the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire agreement. Israeli officials argue the extension is necessary due to the Lebanese Armed Forces’ slow progress in replacing Israeli troops and preventing Hezbollah’s resurgence in the area.
Under the agreement, Israeli forces were to withdraw within 60 days, allowing the Lebanese army and UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) to establish control south of the Litani River. However, Israeli Ambassador to the US Michael Herzog stated, “The agreement included flexibility, and more time is needed for the Lebanese army to fully deploy and fulfill its responsibilities.” Talks with the Trump administration are ongoing to secure a 30-day extension.
Israel’s reluctance to leave southern Lebanon stems from dissatisfaction with the Lebanese Armed Forces’ performance and fears of renewed Hezbollah activity near its northern border. Israeli officials emphasize the need to prioritize security for northern communities. Benny Gantz, a member of Israel’s parliament, the Knesset, warned, “The IDF must continue to act against Hezbollah violations. Otherwise, we have learned nothing from October 7.”
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Hezbollah, which suffered significant losses during the recent conflict, has warned that any delay in the Israeli withdrawal could collapse the fragile ceasefire. “We in Hezbollah are waiting for January 26. If the Israeli enemy does not comply, it will mean the collapse of the agreement,” said Hezbollah MP Ali Fayyad.
Meanwhile, Hezbollah’s leader, Naim Qassem, accused Israel of committing hundreds of ceasefire violations. “We have been patient to give the Lebanese state and international sponsors a chance, but do not test our patience,” Qassem warned.
The Trump administration’s decision on Israel’s request will serve as an early indicator of its approach to Middle East policy in its second term. While some Israeli officials have expressed optimism, there are reports of reluctance in Washington to support the extension. David Mencer, an Israeli government spokesperson, acknowledged “positive movements” from the Lebanese army and UNIFIL but stressed that “much more work remains.”
The conflict, which erupted in September after nearly a year of cross-border skirmishes, displaced tens of thousands of civilians on both sides. Hezbollah’s losses, including the death of its general secretary, Hassan Nasrallah, in an Israeli airstrike, and the collapse of a key weapons supply route from Iran, have significantly weakened the group. However, tensions remain high, with Israeli forces also operating in neighboring Syria’s buffer zone.
