Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced that Israeli forces will indefinitely stay in a “buffer zone” in southern Lebanon despite previous plans to withdraw by February 18. The presence of these troops, deemed essential for security, has been classified as an occupation by Lebanese leaders. Ongoing tensions follow a ceasefire agreement but have resulted in violations and civilian casualties, further straining relations.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced on Thursday that the Israeli military will remain indefinitely in a designated “buffer zone” within southern Lebanon. Katz affirmed that despite an extended deadline for withdrawal under a ceasefire agreement, Israeli forces would be stationed at five locations in the area, contingent upon the situation rather than a specific timeline. He stated, “There is a buffer zone. It wasn’t easy but I stood my ground, and we received a green light from the United States.”
According to Katz, the deadline for Israel’s withdrawal had originally been set for February 18, as part of a truce agreement that concluded over a year of conflict, including an extensive period of warfare. He reiterated that the military would maintain its presence in the buffer zone to ensure security. Foreign Minister Gideon Saar referred to these positions as “strategic high points” essential for national security, indicating a temporary stay until Lebanon meets its obligations under the agreement.
Lebanese leaders, including President Joseph Aoun, condemned any Israeli presence in Lebanon as an act of “occupation.” A ceasefire brokered by the United States and France established a timeline for Lebanon’s military to collaborate with United Nations peacekeepers while the Israeli military executed its withdrawal. As part of the deal, Hezbollah was required to retreat north of the Litani River and dismantle military infrastructure.
The United Nations, through a joint statement from envoy Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert and the peacekeeping force, expressed concerns about potential delays in the withdrawal process, characterizing them as a violation of a 2006 Security Council resolution that concluded a previous conflict. Despite a largely maintained ceasefire, tensions between Hezbollah and Israel persist, stemming from ongoing violations, leading to civilian casualties. This ongoing conflict has significantly weakened Hezbollah’s structure and leadership.
In summary, the Israeli Defense Minister has confirmed that Israeli forces will remain in a buffer zone in southern Lebanon indefinitely, despite initial plans for withdrawal by February 18. The presence of these forces is meant to safeguard Israeli security until Lebanon fulfills its obligations under the ceasefire agreement. The Lebanese government has condemned this continued presence as an occupation, indicating a complicated geopolitical climate in the region.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
