Ceasefire on the brink: Lebanon under pressure – who will withdraw the troops?

The ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon is on the brink. As the crown reported, Hezbollah chief Naim Kassem is calling on the Lebanese government to ensure a complete withdrawal of Israeli troops by February 18. Kassem warned that if Israeli soldiers remained after that date, it would be considered an occupation. In recent developments, it is also reported that Israel is calling for an extension of the withdrawal until February 28 as the Lebanese army may not be ready to take control quickly enough.

There are repeated allegations from both sides regarding violations of the fragile ceasefire. According to media reports, the Israeli army opened fire as displaced people tried to return to their homes, resulting in the killing of a woman. Israel is also accused of abducting three Lebanese citizens. This shows how tense the situation remains and calls into question the integrity of the agreement, which originally came into force on November 27 and was introduced after months of fierce fighting between the pro-Iranian Hezbollah and Israel.

Re-entry of the Lebanese army and the agreement

As the daily news reported that the prospects of full implementation of the agreement are in jeopardy, particularly due to the lack of trained soldiers in the Lebanese army. January 27 has been given as the final deadline to bring the area in southern Lebanon exclusively under the control of the Lebanese Armed Forces and UN peacekeepers. However, current reports indicate that an extension of the deadline may be necessary in order to quickly implement the withdrawal of Israeli troops.

The situation remains tense as Hezbollah, despite military defeats, still has significant weapons stockpiles and has not withdrawn behind the Litani River as agreed. Analysts warn that insecurities in this conflict-ridden region could easily lead to a new flare-up of violence if agreements cannot be met.