Israel
Israel asks to delay Lebanon withdrawal days ahead of deadline
However, the recent shift in administration in the US could put the IDF back on the clock
January 23, 2025 11:46
However, the recent shift in administration in the US could put the IDF back on the clock
January 23, 2025 11:46Israel has reportedly asked for a delay to the IDF’s withdrawal from Lebanon days ahead of the original deadline.
The military was given 60 days to pull out of the country as part of its ceasefire deal with Iranian proxy Hezbollah, which was agreed on November 27.
Lebanon’s new US-backed president, Joseph Aoun, has pledged to dismantale the terror group’s militant wing following a bloody clash with Israel in October last year.
Under the agreement it struck with Hezbollah and the new government, the IDF is required to leave the southern part of the country by Sunday to be replaced by the Lebanese Army.
But senior officials are reportedly concerned that the Lebanese forces are not deploying fast enough and fear that their absence could create the potential for Hezbollah to reclaim areas close to the Israeli border, according to a Haaretz report.
Negotiations are apparently underway between Israel, Lebanon, France and the US to determine whether an extension is practicable.
The IDF is reported to be hoping to receive an extra 30 days to complete the withdrawal, which would place the new deadline on February 25.
However, Army Radio is reporting that the inaguration of President Trump could jeapordise the military’s proposal.
The new administration in Washington is reported to be resistant to the idea of a delay, preferring to complete the de-escalation process as quickly as possible.
This would both allow US officials to focus on the unfolding ceasefire deal with Hamas in Gaza, while also bolstering the impression of Trump as a peacemaker, something his administration is keen to project.
Nonetheless, Israel’s outgoing US ambassador remained confident that an extension could be agreed.
Michael Herzog told the radio network that he believes the two parties will “reach an understanding” before the week is out.
It comes after IDF chief of staff, Lt. Gen Herzi Halevi, announced that he would step down in March over the army’s security failings on October 7, 2023.
In a statement, the seasoned general said: “I informed the Defence Minister today that in recognition of my responsibility in the failures of the IDF on October 7, and while the military has made significant achievements and is in the midst of carrying out the agreement to free hostages, I am asking to end my term on March 6, 2025.”
He was joined in resignation by Maj. Gen Yaron Finkelstein, head of the IDF’s Southern Command.