Israel says it will stay in southern Lebanon after withdrawal deadline

(Dan Tri) - The Lebanese government has accused Israel of violating the ceasefire many times because Tel Aviv continues to bomb the South of the country.

A car drives past destroyed buildings in Naqoura in southern Lebanon, near the border with Israel (Photo: Reuters).

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said on January 24 that Israel will not completely withdraw its troops from Lebanese territory after the end of a 60-day ceasefire with Hezbollah.

The agreement signed between Israel and the Lebanese government ended more than a year of fighting between the two sides and more than two months of full-scale conflict since November 27 last year.

According to the signed protocol, Israel has 60 days to completely withdraw from southern Lebanon while Hezbollah will withdraw from the north of the Litani River. The Lebanese army will take over the area after Hezbollah leaves. This process is expected to be completed by 4 a.m. (local time).

Prime Minister Netanyahu's office said the Israeli withdrawal "depends on the Lebanese army deployed in the south of the country fully and effectively implementing the agreement when Hezbollah withdraws from Litani".

"As the ceasefire agreement has not yet been fully implemented by the Lebanese state, the gradual withdrawal process will continue in close coordination with the US side," the Israeli Prime Minister's Office added.

Hezbollah and the Lebanese government have yet to comment on Tel Aviv's statements.

According to The Guardian , Israel is asking US President Donald Trump to extend the agreement for another 30 days. However, Israeli media said Mr. Trump is unlikely to agree.

The Lebanese government has accused Israel of violating the ceasefire hundreds of times as it continues to bomb southern Lebanon.

In a speech before the implementation of the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip last week, Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem warned Israel about Tel Aviv's violations, saying "do not test our patience".

Israel's attacks on Lebanon have left more than 4,000 people dead and displaced more than 1.2 million.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/the-gioi/israel-tuyen-bo-van-o-lai-mien-nam-li-bang-sau-thoi-han-rut-quan-20250124222955550.htm