ALBAWABA - Israeli Army Radio reported that Israel remains firm on maintaining its presence in five positions in southern Lebanon, following a meeting of the Ceasefire Monitoring Committee on Friday.
The committee, comprising representatives from the Lebanese and Israeli armies, the United States, France, and the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), convened in Ras Naqoura to discuss the upcoming Israeli withdrawal, scheduled for February 18.
While discussions focused on the technical coordination of the Israeli withdrawal from occupied Lebanese villages, Israeli media indicated that the military plans to retain control over five key positions along the border. According to the Israeli Broadcasting Authority, the Israeli army does not intend to dismantle five temporary checkpoints established inside Lebanese territory.
General Jasper Jeffers, head of the Ceasefire Monitoring Committee, expressed confidence that the Lebanese army would assume full control of the remaining towns south of the Litani River by the deadline. However, he did not address Israel’s continued occupation of the five sites. In a statement, the U.S. Central Command reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the full implementation of all 13 clauses of the ceasefire agreement and stated that the monitoring mechanism would remain active beyond February 18.
Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri revealed on Thursday that U.S. officials informed him of Israel’s plan to withdraw from most of the occupied villages but confirmed its intent to stay in five positions. Berri, speaking on behalf of Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, firmly rejected any partial withdrawal and insisted on Israel’s full retreat.
Under the ceasefire agreement, Israel was required to complete its withdrawal by January 26, 2025, within the 60-day period set in the deal, which took effect on November 27, 2024. However, Israel failed to meet the deadline, prompting U.S.-brokered negotiations that extended the timeline to February 18. With the new deadline approaching, tensions remain high as Lebanon demands full compliance with the agreement while Israel continues to assert control over strategic locations.
