Israel, in full coordination with the United States, will continue the gradual withdrawal of the army from southern Lebanon after the 60-day deadline stipulated in the ceasefire agreement, as its terms have not yet been fully implemented by the state of Lebanon, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said on Friday.
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“The ceasefire agreement in Lebanon stipulated that the planned withdrawal of the Israeli army should be completed within 60 days. This point was formulated based on the understanding that the withdrawal process may last after 60 days,” the message says.
The office stressed that the Israeli withdrawal process is conditioned on the fact that the Lebanese army will be deployed in southern Lebanon and will fully and effectively enforce the agreement, while moving Hezbollah forces and infrastructure north of the Litani River.
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“Since the ceasefire agreement has not yet been fully implemented by the State of Lebanon, the phased withdrawal process will continue in full coordination with the United States,” the Prime Minister’s office said.
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It is emphasized that the State of Israel will not put settlements and citizens in the north of the country at risk and “will insist on the full fulfillment of the purpose of the hostilities in the north — the return of residents to their homes in safety.”
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On the night of November 27, 2024, after almost 14 months of continuous escalation, a ceasefire regime agreed upon in accordance with the American settlement plan came into force between Israel and Lebanon. Before the agreement was approved, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made an address to the nation, during which he explained the need for a cease-fire on the northern front, stressing that in case of any violation of the truce by Hezbollah, Israel would respond and resume hostilities.
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According to the settlement plan proposed by the United States, over the next 60 days, the Lebanese army should occupy territories in the south of the country, and Hezbollah’s forces and infrastructure should be withdrawn north of the Litani River, which flows 20-30 kilometers from the border with Israel in various sections. During this time, that is, by next Sunday, Israel must completely withdraw its armed forces from the territory of the neighboring country.
