Israeli soldiers from Brigade 11 on patrol in Lebanese territory, Jan. 16, 2025. (Credit: AFP)
The Jan. 26 deadline by which Israel must withdraw from southern Lebanon, as set in the cease-fire agreement, approaches. On the ground, however, not only the eastern sector — which includes Rmeish, Bint Jbeil, Tibnin and Rashaya — but also the central sector continues to be occupied by the Israeli army, which is seemingly attempting to extend its presence on Lebanese territory over the long term. In Western diplomatic circles, doubt is the order of the day. This is because many factors, both international and local, are likely to weigh heavily on Tel Aviv’s calculations.For several weeks now, Israeli officials have been blowing hot and cold, leaving their intentions completely unclear. On more than one occasion, Israel said that the Lebanese Army would be “unable to fulfill its obligations set to assume under the [rather vague]...
The Jan. 26 deadline by which Israel must withdraw from southern Lebanon, as set in the cease-fire agreement, approaches. On the ground, however, not only the eastern sector — which includes Rmeish, Bint Jbeil, Tibnin and Rashaya — but also the central sector continues to be occupied by the Israeli army, which is seemingly attempting to extend its presence on Lebanese territory over the long term. In Western diplomatic circles, doubt is the order of the day. This is because many factors, both international and local, are likely to weigh heavily on Tel Aviv’s calculations.For several weeks now, Israeli officials have been blowing hot and cold, leaving their intentions completely unclear. On more than one occasion, Israel said that the Lebanese Army would be “unable to fulfill its obligations set to assume under the [rather...
