Hezbollah Slams Israel’s Refusal to Fully Withdraw from Lebanon

Lebanese PM urges US to intervene to ensure Israel’s withdrawal

Fri Jan 24 2025
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BEIRUT: Lebanese group Hezbollah has termed the decision by Israel to keep its presence in southern Lebanon past the 60-day withdrawal deadline set by the ceasefire agreement as a blatant violation of the pact.

The Israeli prime minister’s office said in a statement Friday said Israeli forces will remain in southern Lebanon past the 60-day withdrawal.

Benjamin Netanyahu claimed that the Lebanese Army has not fulfilled its obligations under the agreement.

Meanwhile, Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun engaged in talks with France and the US, urging Israel to fully implement the agreement and withdraw within the specified timeframe to prevent any escalation of tensions.

Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati also called on the US to “intervene to ensure the implementation of Resolution 1701 and Israel’s withdrawal.” On Friday, Netanyahu’s office said that “the gradual withdrawal from Lebanon will continue in full coordination with the US administration.”

However, the Israeli Cabinet decided that “the Israeli Army will remain in its current positions,” warning that “the Israeli Army is prepared for any scenario and will respond harshly and immediately to any violations by Hezbollah.”

According to Israeli media reports Israel is requesting an additional one-month delay in the withdrawal of its army from Lebanon.

“Israel’s failure to adhere to the 60-day deadline is an attack on sovereignty that requires the state to act and address it, using all international means and conventions to reclaim Lebanese territories and liberate them from the grip of occupation,” Hezbollah in a statement said.

Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, accompanied by a delegation from the Kuwaiti Foreign Ministry and the GCC, held meetings with Lebanese leaders in Beirut on Friday.

ALSO READ: Lebanon Stresses Immediate Israeli Withdrawal Under Ceasefire Deal

During his meeting with President Aoun, Al-Yahya reaffirmed Kuwait’s unwavering support for Lebanon, pledging to provide assistance across various fields.

Their visit was followed by the Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan, who met with Lebanese officials less than 24 hours earlier. Prince Faisal underscored the importance of implementing Resolution 1701, highlighting the significance of these visits amid recent developments in Lebanon and the broader region.

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