Israel has denied France’s proposal to replace its military presence in southern Lebanon with UNIFIL forces, aiming instead to maintain its positions in key locations. Despite US support for Israel’s extended presence, Lebanon firmly rejects any agreement on an extension. The ceasefire arrangements are complicated by ongoing challenges in dismantling Hezbollah’s influence as the withdrawal deadline approaches.
Israel has firmly rejected a proposal from France aimed at facilitating the withdrawal of Israeli forces from specific regions in southern Lebanon. This proposal involves the replacement of Israeli troops with UNIFIL forces and the French military, with a deadline rapidly approaching. As reported by the Jerusalem Post, Israel remains committed to maintaining its military presence in five strategically significant locations in the area.
Support from the United States has emerged, endorsing a prolonged Israeli military presence in southern Lebanon. Various sources have indicated that Israel is seeking a 10-day extension to the impending February 18 deadline, potentially pushing the withdrawal date to February 28. Additionally, a Saudi media report suggested that discussions between Israel, the US, and Lebanon had tentatively agreed on extending Israel’s military stay for another month; however, this claim has been dismissed by Lebanese officials, including President Joseph Aoun.
Lebanon has categorically denied any agreement regarding the extension and objected to modifications of the UNIFIL mandate. Concurrently, an article in Al-Akhbar indicated that Lebanon also rejected the French proposal. Israeli media has reported that there remains an intent to preserve the military presence at five key border points to create a buffer zone, coupled with a request to the US for additional support for the proposed extension.
The US-led tripartite mechanism overseeing the ceasefire met on February 14, marking its fifth session in Naqoura, examining the transition of all remaining villages in the Southern Litani Area to Lebanese army oversight before the February 18 deadline. As Major General Jasper Jeffers, US Mechanism co-chair, noted, there has been substantial progress in this process, asserting the Lebanese Armed Forces will gain control over the local population centers within this timeframe.
The ongoing ceasefire agreement, derived from UN Resolution 1701, stipulates that the Lebanese army dismantle Hezbollah’s activities south of the Litani River within 60 days, a timeline that concluded on January 26. Despite this, Israeli claims suggest that the Lebanese army has not fulfilled its obligations, leading to a request for an extension until February 18. Reports assert that Hezbollah may aim to re-establish its presence in border areas upon the withdrawal of Israeli forces.
In conclusion, Israel has rejected a French proposal to expedite its military withdrawal from southern Lebanon, insisting on maintaining a presence in crucial areas. While the US has indicated support for an extended Israeli military stay, Lebanon has dismissed claims of such agreements, reinforcing its rejection of any changes to the UNIFIL mandate. The situation remains complex with ongoing negotiations and plans for the Lebanese Armed Forces to assume control in the region.
Original Source: thecradle.co
