Lebanon Rejects IDF Plan To Stay in Southern Positions Past Ceasefire Deadline
Lebanese officials have rejected Israel’s plan to retain control over five locations in southern Lebanon beyond a February 18 withdrawal deadline.
Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri said Thursday that US officials informed him of Israel’s intention to withdraw from occupied villages by the deadline but remain in specific positions. He said he made clear, on behalf of Lebanon’s president and prime minister, that Beirut categorically opposes any extension of Israel’s presence.
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“I refused to discuss any extension of the withdrawal timeline,” Berri told reporters. “It is the Americans’ responsibility to enforce the withdrawal; otherwise, they will have caused the greatest setback for the government.”
Berri’s remarks came after a meeting with US Ambassador Lisa Johnson and Maj. Gen. Jasper Jeffers, who heads a committee monitoring the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah. Lebanese officials insist that the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon and the Lebanese army are fully capable of maintaining security.
Israel has justified its continued presence by accusing Lebanon of failing to prevent Hezbollah from reestablishing positions in the south. Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer confirmed on Thursday Israel’s plan to hold onto key locations but did not specify for how long.
The US, which helped broker the truce, has given mixed signals on the matter. While some reports suggest Washington has allowed Israel to remain in certain areas, official US policy on the issue remains unclear.
