The White House is reportedly advocating for Israeli forces to be let to stay in Lebanon beyond the cease-fire’s expiration next week, providing Israel additional time to fulfill its objectives while increasing the likelihood of the truce’s ultimate dissolution.
A White House spokesperson stated that an extension of the cease-fire was necessary to assist Lebanon’s new president and facilitate the return of Israelis who had evacuated northern Israel during the military conflict with the Lebanese militia Hezbollah, recognized as a terrorist organization by the U.S.
The Biden administration facilitated a cease-fire in late November, concluding over a year of conflict that commenced when Hezbollah launched a missile attack on Israel following the October 7, 2023, assaults from the Gaza Strip, which ignited a war affecting much of the Middle East.
The interim phase is set to conclude on Sunday.
During the initial 60 days of the accord, the Israeli military, which deployed tens of thousands of troops to southern Lebanon last year, was expected to withdraw.
The Lebanese military was expected to deploy to replace Israeli forces, secure the northern border, and inhibit the Iran-backed militia from re-establishing an armed presence in the area.
Israel and Lebanon have both alleged that the other has not properly executed the agreement. Hughes stated that Israel has retreated from regions of central Lebanon.
Nevertheless, certain regions of southern Lebanon continue to be under Israeli jurisdiction.
Lebanese military leaders dismissed the idea of their culpability in the delay, asserting that the nation’s formal armed forces were ready to advance into southern Lebanon immediately following the withdrawal of Israeli forces.
High-ranking Western officials, including those responsible for facilitating the cease-fire, indicated that both the Lebanese government and Israel were executing essential components of the deal; nonetheless, complete enforcement would require more time.
[READ MORE: China Puts Pressure on Neighbors to End Dangerous Scams]
