The US White House announced the extension of the ceasefire agreement between Lebanon and Israel in southern Lebanon until February 18, after the Israeli government delayed its commitment to the final date for withdrawal from the border areas.
The spokesperson for the Israeli army, Avichay Adraee, said on Monday: “The army has recently redeployed in various locations in southern Lebanon, in accordance with the ceasefire agreement with the aim of enabling the gradual effective deployment of the Lebanese army, and dismantling and removing Hezbollah with its elements and infrastructure from southern Lebanon.”
Under the ceasefire agreement established on November 27, Israeli forces originally had 60 days until Sunday to withdraw from the Lebanese border areas that they had penetrated during their war with the Lebanese Hezbollah.
The White House said in a statement on Sunday: “The agreement supervised by the United States will remain in effect until the specified date, and the United States will work to negotiate with Israel and Lebanon regarding the return of Lebanese detainees captured after October 7, 2023.”
Lebanon’s caretaker Prime Minister, Najib Mikati, said that the Lebanese government affirms the preservation of Lebanon’s sovereignty and security and the continuation of work under the ceasefire agreement with Israel until February 18.
Mikati added in a statement: “I consulted with the President of the Republic, General Joseph Aoun, and the Speaker of Parliament, Nabih Berri, regarding the developments in the south, and the results of the contacts that took place with the American side.”
Southern Lebanon on Sunday saw over 22 people killed and 124 wounded after being shot at by the Israeli army while attempting to return home early.
