Israel has until Jan. 26 to leave southern Lebanon, according to Al-Akhbar

Over the weekend Al-Akhbar, affiliated with Hezbollah, published a story stating that Jan. 26 will be the deadline for the presence of Israeli forces in southern Lebanon, which is one day before the end of the 60-day cease-fire reached on Nov. 27.

According to Al-Akhbar, American envoy Amos Hochstein negotiated this point last Monday upon his arrival in Lebanon during a meeting with the cease-fire monitoring committee. He then warned the Parliamentary Speaker Nabih Berri, caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati and General Joseph Aoun, then the army's commander, of the existence of a detailed withdrawal schedule. The American envoy reportedly asked the Lebanese army to ensure that Hezbollah hands over all the weapons it has south of the Litani River. The army's command has reportedly confirmed to Hochstein that an agreement was already reached with the party on this matter.

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Israeli tanks spotted in Hasbaya region, automatic weapons fire in Maroun al-Ras

Channel 12, an Israeli broadcaster, stated that the head of the northern command of the Israeli army, Major General Uri Gordin, painted "a worrying picture of the cease-fire situation," emphasizing that "the Lebanese army has not achieved its objectives and that it would not be possible to prevent the return of Lebanese to villages near the border."

"We can question whether the Lebanese army will respect the agreement within the 60 days, and I think the chances are slim. But that's the agreement, we insist that we will not retreat until the conditions are met on the other side. This must be done simultaneously," General Gordin added. He also noted that "even if the conduct of the Lebanese army improves, there is always cooperation between it and Hezbollah agents."