The Israeli army expressed on Friday its preparedness to withdraw from Lebanese territory by February 18, per the ceasefire agreement brokered by France and the United States.
A senior Israeli security official, quoted by AFP, stated that Israel remains committed to the agreement and is coordinating closely with the US to ensure a smooth handover of areas to the Lebanese army.
“We are still deployed per the agreement, which the United States is monitoring,” the official said, adding that the withdrawal is already underway and will proceed in an “orderly manner.”
However, he emphasized that Israeli forces are closely watching Hezbollah’s activities, citing attempted infiltrations and arms smuggling.
Despite these assurances, The Jerusalem Post has reported that Tel Aviv wants to maintain five positions in Southern Lebanon and that the Israeli government rejected a French proposal to deploy UNIFIL soldiers instead.
According to the report, Israel dismissed the idea of deploying French forces operating with the UNIFIL in southern Lebanon to replace its troops, citing security concerns and the risk of creating a power vacuum that Hezbollah could exploit.
Lebanese officials are opposed to Israel maintaining positions in the South beyond the proposed withdrawal date. Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, voiced this opposition and demanded a complete withdrawal.
Meanwhile, Israeli, Lebanese, American, French, and UNIFIL officials convened in Ras Naqoura for technical security meetings to finalize arrangements for Israel’s withdrawal from southern Lebanon, as reported by Israeli Army Radio on Friday.
Following the discussions, US General Jasper Jeffers, head of the ceasefire implementation committee, confirmed that the Lebanese army will assume full control of all populated areas south of the Litani River by Tuesday.
“Significant progress has been made in recent months,” Jeffers said, adding that while the February 18 deadline marks a key milestone, the ceasefire’s 13 provisions will continue to be implemented beyond that date.
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