The Israeli government is reportedly trying to extend the ceasefire with the Hezbollah militia in Lebanon. This was agreed at the end of November and is initially only valid until January 26. American mediator Amos Hochstein has now traveled to Lebanon for talks.
So far, the ceasefire has largely held despite individual violations. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz sees it differently. His government may feel “forced to take action” because Hezbollah is not adhering to the agreement. Their fighters have not yet withdrawn from southern Lebanon, and weapons and terrorist infrastructure remain in the Lebanon-Israel border area.
This withdrawal is part of the deal. Hezbollah must therefore withdraw behind the Litani River, about 30 kilometers north of the Israeli-Lebanese border. The Israeli forces, in turn, must leave the neighboring country. At the same time, the Lebanese army must increase its presence in the border area.
The army withdrew
According to Lebanese sources, the Israeli army has already withdrawn from Naqura in southern Lebanon, fulfilling this part of the agreement. Soldiers from the Lebanese army and the UN peacekeeping force UNFIL then drove into the port city. “These withdrawals will continue until all Israeli forces are completely withdrawn from Lebanon,” said US mediator Amos Hochstein, who is currently in Lebanon for talks.
Hochstein must prevent the ceasefire from collapsing. Israel’s Security Council met Sunday afternoon to decide how to proceed. The US government assumes that the Israeli army will have to remain stationed in Lebanon longer than planned until the Lebanese army has completed its task.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
