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A Lebanese soldier checks the remains of a rocket in a residential area following Israel's war in Lebanon, in southern Lebanon, Naqoura, on Jan. 22, 2025. (Credit: Anwar Amro/AFP)

Live MIDDLE EAST CONFLICT

Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon to continue beyond 60 days, Netanyahu announces | Live coverage

What you need to know

Hundreds of Palestinians fled the Jenin refugee camp in the occupied West Bank amid ongoing Israeli military offensive.

At least 12 people killed during Israel's "Iron Wall" operation.

Israeli military operations persist in southern Lebanon, with 2 days remaining before the full implementation of the cease-fire deadline.


21:23 Beirut Time

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21:23 Beirut Time

"All parties share the goal of ensuring that Hezbollah does not have the capacity to threaten the Lebanese people or their neighbors. To achieve these goals, a short, temporary extension of the ceasefire is necessary," White House National Security Council spokesperson Brian Hughes was quoted as saying by Reuters.

"We are pleased that the Israeli military has begun the withdrawal from the central regions, and we continue to work closely with our regional partners to finalize the expansion," he added.

20:48 Beirut Time

The Lebanese army deployed Friday in the villages of Shihine and Jibbein (Sour) after the Israeli withdrawal from these villages, according to a statement from the army. This operation was carried out in coordination with the cease-fire monitoring commission and UNIFIL.

"The army calls on residents not to approach the areas from which the Israeli enemy has withdrawn and to comply with the directives of the military units," the army command said.

20:39 Beirut Time

Asked about the Israeli decision to keep its army in Lebanon longer, U.N. spokesperson Farhan Haq said the international organization "urges Israel and Lebanon to respect their commitments regarding the cessation of hostilities agreement and to avoid any further action that could increase tensions and further delay the return of residents on both sides to their towns and villages."

He added: “We continue to call for the full implementation of resolution 1701, which constitutes a comprehensive solution towards long-term peace, security and stability on both sides of the Blue Line. The United Nations, including the United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon and the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), remain fully committed to supporting the parties in respecting the cessation of hostilities, as well as their obligations under resolution 1701. ” 

20:32 Beirut Time

The Israeli army cut the main road connecting Aitaroun to the town of Bint Jbeil, as well as the road leading to Wadi Slouqi, Baraasheet and Kounin (Bint Jbeil).

20:03 Beirut Time

Residents of villages still occupied by Israel will have to wait for the Lebanese army's statement, expected by tomorrow, before heading to their homes, a military source told al-Akhbar. Coordination continues between the Lebanese authorities and the cease-fire monitoring committee, with a view to a "total Israeli withdrawal" from south Lebanon, according to the same source. 

19:21 Beirut Time

An Israeli drone targeted the area of ​​Sadana, located between Shebaa and Kfar Shouba, (Hasbaya), reported L'Orient Today's correspondent in south Lebanon. Israeli planes were flying over the area at the same time. 

19:19 Beirut Time

"Israeli forces, under the leadership of the Northern Command, carried out strikes in south Lebanon in recent days to neutralize the latest threats and strike Hezbollah's weapons depots and surveillance centers," wrote the Israeli army's Arabic-language spokesperson, Avichay Adraee, on his X account.

He said that the Israeli army "respects the conditions of the cease-fire [with Hezbollah in November]" and "continues to monitor Hezbollah's attempts to redeploy in south Lebanon."

19:16 Beirut Time

The Israeli army said in a post on its X account that it located what it described as "a vehicle loaded with weapons and hidden under a mosque" in south Lebanon, without specifying the exact location. It also claimed to have found "a weapons cache inside a mosque" and mentioned "hundreds of mortar shells, explosives, rockets, weapons and equipment belonging to Hezbollah."

The post was accompanied by a video showing an orange SUV parked in a garage. 

"We will continue our efforts to eliminate threats in south Lebanon while respecting the cease-fire agreements between Israel and Lebanon," the Israeli army stated.

18:52 Beirut Time

On a Facebook page called "The youth of the village of Kfar Kila," followed by 7,000 subscribers, the inhabitants of this village in the Marjayoun district were called to go to Kfar Kila on Sunday at 4 a.m. "to celebrate the dawn prayer there, with all dignity."

Although Sunday is the date set for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from south Lebanon, per the ceasefire agreement reached on Nov. 27, they remain present in several border villages, including Kfar Kila, where a loud explosion was heard on Friday. The Israeli army also announced that it will not proceed with a complete withdrawal from the Lebanese regions on the scheduled date.

In their appeal, the "youth of Kfar Kila" said that the residents "have waited too long" and "must return home."

"The moment of liberation has arrived, thanks to our fighters and martyrs," they wrote.

18:30 Beirut Time

Brokers from the village of Majdel Anjar in Bekaa attacked customs officials at the Masnaa border crossing with Syria, according to L'Orient Today's correspondent in the region. The Lebanese army intervened to secure the center and prevent an escalation of the incident.

17:43 Beirut Time

Israel has received the list of hostages to be released on Saturday, according to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office, quoted by AFP

17:42 Beirut Time

Image of the bomb dropped by the Israeli drone (Photo provided by residents to our correspondent Muntasser Abdallah)

🔴An Israeli drone conducted three strikes in al-Arid neighborhood near the village of Yohmor, in the Nabatieh district, north of the Litani River, residents told our correspondent.

17:41 Beirut Time

The Lebanese Army announced that it would detonate unexploded ordnance in the village of Shihine, in southern Lebanon's Sour district, between 4:45 p.m. and 6 p.m.

17:40 Beirut Time

During an offensive in Syrian territory, Israeli forces wounded a young man and arrested another west of Quneitra in the Golan Heights, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) reported on its X account.

17:06 Beirut Time

The explosion carried out by the Israeli army in Kfar Kila (Image sent by locals to our correspondent Muntasser Abdallah)

A powerful explosion was recently heard in the village of Kfar Kila, still occupied by Israeli forces, in southern Lebanon's Marjayoun, witnesses told our correspondent.


In addition, a husseiniyeh (a Shiite place of worship) was set on fire by the Israel army in the village of Yaroun, in the Bint Jbeil district.

17:04 Beirut Time

Hamas will hand over to the mediators later today "the names of the four" hostages held in Gaza since Oct. 7, 2023, confirmed Bassem Naim, a member of the movement's political bureau in a telephone interview with AFP. They will be exchanged for an unknown number of Palestinian detainees and prisoners held in Israel.

16:04 Beirut Time

In the statement issued by his office, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that "the outline for the cease-fire in Lebanon stipulates that the Israeli army phased withdrawal is to be implemented within 60 days. The clause was worded this way with the understanding that the withdrawal process may continue beyond 60 days."


"The ... withdrawal process is conditional on the Lebanese Army deploying in southern Lebanon and fully and effectively enforcing the agreement, while Hezbollah withdraws beyond the Litani. Since the cease-fire agreement has not yet been fully enforced by the State of Lebanon, the phased withdrawal process will continue, in full coordination with the United States."


It's worthy to note that Israeli invading troops have repeatedly continued attacks southern Lebanese villages, while advancing into areas it had previously left or had previously not reached. In its advancements it had frequently blocked roads with sand barriers and military vehicles, hindering the Lebanese Army deployment and prohibiting residents to return.


"The State of Israel will not endanger its communities and citizens and will insist on the full implementation of the goal of the fighting in the north - the safe return of residents to their homes," the statement concluded. 


Read more👉 here

15:10 Beirut Time

Latest updates on Israeli invading troops advancements and attacks in southern Lebanon: 


- Israeli troops advanced into the village of Maroun al-Ras, in the Bint Jbeil district, our correspondent reported. Bursts of machine-gun fire were fired in the vicinity of the village.


- The Israeli army carried out large explosions in Kfar Kila, in the Marjayoun district. Loud detonations echoed across surrounding villages.


- The municipality of Bani Hayyan published a text stating that Israel "has contacted mukhtars and presidents of municipalities to tell them not to go to these villages before the Israeli withdrawal. Therefore, we ask our residents to refrain from any action until an official statement from the municipality is issued," the text continued.

14:53 Beirut Time

🔴 Israel says the withdrawal of its troops from southern Lebanon "will continue" beyond the planned 60 days, AFP reported. Citing the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the Reuters agency indicates that "the withdrawal of the Israeli army from southern Lebanon will last more than 60 days because the cease-fire agreement has not yet been fully implemented by the Lebanese state".

13:51 Beirut Time

Iran's Revolutionary Guards today conducted military exercises in the Gulf and the strategic Strait of Hormuz as part of nationwide exercises, AFP reported citing Iranian state media. 


State television showed fast boats and land-sea and surface-to-surface missiles used during the maneuvers dubbed Eqtedar in Farsi or "power." Launched at the beginning of January by the armed forces and the Revolutionary Guards, they are due to continue until mid-March.

13:49 Beirut Time

Hamas will publish today the names of the next four Israeli hostages due to be released tomorrow, AFP reported.

13:48 Beirut Time

Israel is pushing to extend its military presence in southern Lebanon beyond Sunday’s withdrawal deadline set in a November cease-fire agreement with Hezbollah, according to a CNN report citing Israel's envoy to the United States.


The report claims Israel has informed the Trump administration of its request to keep its invading forces in Lebanon for at least 30 more days. However, it is unclear whether Washington has responded to the request or communicated it to the Lebanese government.


Speaking to Israel's Army Radio on Thursday, Michael Herzog, Israel's ambassador to Washington, suggested the 60-day deadline outlined in the cease-fire agreement “isn’t set in stone,” reported Haaretz. 


"We're currently in discussions with the Trump administration to extend the time needed for the Lebanese Army to deploy and fulfill its duties under the agreement," Herzog said. "There's an understanding in the incoming administration of our security needs and position, and I believe we'll reach an agreement on this matter as well."


Notably, on several instances, Israeli invading troops stopped the Lebanese Army from deploying in southern Lebanon, setting up roadblocks and deploying tanks and other military vehicles. 


A U.S. Department of Defense official, speaking to CNN, did not explicitly confirm whether Israel’s withdrawal is on schedule.


The official stated that the agreement, which took effect in November, sets a 60-day timeline for Israel's withdrawal from the Southern Litani area to “accelerate action and progress.” They noted progress has been made, adding that the Lebanese Army has shown “commitment, will and capability” in implementing the terms of the deal.

13:43 Beirut Time

Israeli invading forces fired bursts of medium machine gun fire from Hamames hill, south of Khiam in the Marjayoun district, towards Sarda and Amra, reported our correspondent in southern Lebanon.


Meanwhile, in the Bint Jbeil district, Israeli invading troops are advancing towards Aitaron, leveling fields and roads.

13:04 Beirut Time

Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal Bin Farhan arrived in Syria, in a first visit since the fall of the Assad regime, reported AFP. The Saudi Foreign Minister was in Beirut yesterday.

12:56 Beirut Time

The UN has denounced Israel's use of "unlawful lethal force in Jenin," including methods "in violation of international human right laws," in the occupied West Bank, AFP reported.


"We are deeply concerned by the use of unlawful lethal force in Jenin, in the occupied West Bank. The deadly Israeli operations in recent days raise serious concerns about unnecessary or disproportionate use of force, including methods and means developed for war fighting, in violation of international human rights law, norms and standards applicable to law enforcement operations," spokesman for the U.N. Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in Geneva.

12:51 Beirut Time

U.S. private security contractors "will start in the coming days to operate a key Gaza checkpoint and deploy armed guards to the enclave," according to two Israeli officials and a source with direct knowledge cited by Axios.


"It will be the first time in decades that U.S. private security companies will operate in Gaza," as part of a multinational consortium that has been established under the Gaza cease-fire deal, with the support of its brokers U.S., Egypt and Qatar.


"The role of the U.S. contractors will be to inspect Palestinian vehicles that move from southern Gaza to northern Gaza and make sure no rockets or other heavy weapons are being transferred," Axios added. 

12:47 Beirut Time

In southern Lebanon, the Lebanese Army entered the villages of Jibbein and Shihine (Sour district) and deployed there. Its units began clearing unexploded ordnance, reported our correspondent.

11:30 Beirut Time

🔴 "There will be no Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon at the end of the 60 days without international political intervention," a U.N. source told al-Jazeera.

11:30 Beirut Time

Israeli invading troops advanced this morning towards the outskirts of Aitaroun, in the Bint Jbeil district of southern Lebanon, reported our regional correspondent. They burned many homes there and are still present in the village.

11:28 Beirut Time

Yesterday, three diplomats told Reuters that it was "likely" that the Israeli army would remain in some areas of southern Lebanon beyond the 60-day deadline provided for in the agreement.


A Lebanese political source quoted by the news agency said that President Joseph Aoun had contacted American and French officials to press Israel to meet the deadline and complete the planned withdrawal.

11:21 Beirut Time

A lack of funding could impact the U.N.'s ability to maintain humanitarian aid flows at the required levels during the Gaza cease-fire deal, a U.N. official told Reuters.


The 15-month war has killed more than 47,000 Palestinians and left much of the Gaza Strip in ruins. Hundreds of thousands are homeless and rely on outside aid to survive.


Muhannad Hadi, humanitarian coordinator for the occupied Palestinian territories, told Reuters late yesterday he was "very pleased" with how the first few days had gone, but emphasized that funding was a concern.


"We need immediate funding to make sure that we continue providing the aid for the 42 days, but also after the 42 days, because we're hopeful that we'll go from phase one to phase two," he said, after returning from Gaza earlier this week.

10:49 Beirut Time

Photo sent by residents to our correspondent Muntasser Abdallah

Last night in southern Lebanon, Israeli invading troops entered Qantara, a town in the Marjayoun district, reported our regional correspondent. They burned cars and destroyed the village mosque.

10:47 Beirut Time

The Israeli army carried out explosions in Robb Thalathin, in the Marjayoun district of southern Lebanon, reported our regional correspondent.

10:45 Beirut Time

U.S. President Donald Trump said yesterday he hoped to avoid strikes against Iran's nuclear sites, expressing a desire for a "deal" with Tehran. When asked by a journalist whether he would support strikes on these sites, Trump said he would discuss the matter with "very high-level people," but did not specify who or when.


It would be really nice if that could be worked out without having to go that further step," he said of military action. Speaking from the Oval Office after signing several executive orders, Trump added, "Iran hopefully will make a deal — and if they don't make a deal, I guess that's OK, too.”


Find out more 👉 here.

10:42 Beirut Time

Hundreds of Palestinians fled the Jenin refugee camp in the occupied West Bank yesterday on the third day of a major Israeli army operation against armed groups that has killed at least 12 people.


Backed by bulldozers, planes and armored military vehicles, soldiers launched the operation dubbed the "Iron Wall" on Tuesday, two days after the start of a truce in the Gaza Strip between Israel and Hamas.


Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed the operation was aimed at "eradicating terrorism in Jenin," a city adjacent to a refugee camp in the northern West Bank, Palestinian territory occupied by Israel since 1967.


Find out more 👉 here

10:32 Beirut Time

Photo sent by local sources to our correspondent Muntasser Abdallah

With two days left before the deadline for the implementation of the 60-day cease-fire between Hezbollah and Israel, the Israeli army is pressing on with offensive in southern Lebanon.


Last night, Israeli troops entered the town of Bani Hayyan in the Marjayoun district, firing machine guns and setting houses on fire, including the village municipality, reported our regional correspondent. Currently, Israeli invading troops remain there.


"The Israelis came back last night and started shooting randomly," Yahia Jaber, the head of the Bani Hayyan municipality, told OLJ. "The flames have consumed the houses, and smoke is rising from nearby villages. They’re still here," he added.

10:28 Beirut Time

After 15 months of war in Gaza, the first phase of the cease-fire agreement took effect on Jan. 19 and is now in its sixth day.


Three Israeli hostages, among dozens abducted during the attack, have been freed in exchange for 90 Palestinian prisoners. Another exchange is set for tomorrow.


Read more: Who are the Palestinian detainees soon to be released by Israel? 


Read more: Hostages in Gaza: How many exchanged, recovered, killed and remaining?

10:21 Beirut Time

To catch up on the key events you missed yesterday, be sure to read the Morning Brief 👈

10:20 Beirut Time

Good morning ☀

Thank you for following our live coverage of live coverage of events in the Middle East. Today marks the sixth day of the truce in Gaza, which began last Sunday and has brought a temporary pause to a 471-day war that has claimed tens of thousands of lives.


We'll also be tracking the latest developments in Lebanon, Yemen and Syria, more than a month after the Assad regime's fall.