Israel Delays Withdrawal from Lebanon Amid Ongoing Ceasefire Negotiations
In a tense escalation of military presence, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have announced that they will not withdraw from southern Lebanon by the previously established ceasefire deadline. Despite calls from the U.S. and regional leaders for adherence to the agreed-upon timeline, Israeli forces are entrenched in the area, setting up roadblocks and warning Lebanese citizens against returning to border villages. Prime Minister Netanyahu confirmed that troops will remain in Lebanon, indicating that the military will continue operations in response to ceasefire violations. This decision has led to heightened concerns among the Lebanese populace and regional stakeholders about the sustainability of the current ceasefire and the potential for further conflict with Hezbollah.
The Associated Press, BBC.com, The New York Times, The Times of Israel, PBS NewsHour, The Guardian, CNN, Financial Times, The Wall Street Journal, Foreign Policy