Beirut reportedly reacted negatively after Israel’s military announced it will keep troops in five key areas along the border with Lebanon after a deadline to withdraw them as part of a cease-fire agreement with Hezbollah.
Israel said that in order to protect the safety of the Israeli communities living close to the border with Lebanon, it had to maintain the posts, all of which were seated on high ground.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun stressed the significance of Israel’s complete withdrawal and stated on Monday that the military is ready for a handover of power.
The Trump administration faces a diplomatic challenge as it attempts to uphold cease-fires in both Gaza and Lebanon as a result of the decision to keep a presence in Lebanon past the deadline.
Following a visit to Israel the day before, Secretary of State Marco Rubio is meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Monday as part of his first Middle East trip as chief diplomat this week.
It seems unlikely that Hezbollah or the Lebanese military will be able to forcefully oppose Israel’s decision to remain. The action follows a string of Israeli military triumphs in southern Lebanon that have also undermined Iran, a supporter of Hezbollah.
The locations, which overlook communities along the Israeli border, might allow the military to react swiftly to any threats, Shoshani added.
According to Lebanese officials, the locations are close to the cities of Ramyeh, Odaisseh, Khiam, and Naqoura. According to an Israeli security official, they ignore Israeli communities such as Shlomi, Margoliot, Zarit, Shtula, Har Dov, and Metula.
Without giving a timeframe, he stated that the agreement is just temporary and that eventually, control of the outposts will be turned over to Lebanon’s military.
Earlier this month, Morgan Ortagus, the deputy Middle East envoy for the Trump administration, stated that the United States was still committed to the February 18 deadline for the withdrawal of Israeli soldiers.
The U.S. will continue to engage with the parties after the deadline, according to U.S. Maj. Gen. Jasper Jeffers, who is assisting in the coordination of the new security arrangement in southern Lebanon.
Shortly after Hamas-led strikes in southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which killed almost 1,200 people and ignited the Gaza Strip conflict, Hezbollah started shooting rockets across the border.
Israel’s military claims that since the battle started, Hezbollah has crossed the border with almost 17,000 rockets, missiles, and drones. The majority of the tens of thousands of Israelis who were displaced have not yet returned home.
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