An explosion carried out by the Israeli army in Houla, southern Lebanon. (Credit: Photo sent by locals to our correspondent)
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office stated that the Israeli military will not complete withdrawal from southern Lebanon by the 60-day deadline as the Nov. 27 cease-fire agreement between Hezbollah and Israel stipulated, claiming that the agreement has not fully been enforced yet.
"The clause was worded this way with the understanding that the withdrawal process may continue beyond 60 days," the prime minister's office statement claimed.
The Israeli army's "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," the statement continued.
Israeli army continues to advance in areas across southern Lebanon, frequently blocking roads with sand barriers and military vehicles, hindering the Lebanese Army deployment and prohibiting residents to return.
Trump administration 'informed'
Earlier, CNN reported that Israel is pushing to extend its military presence in southern Lebanon beyond Sunday’s withdrawal deadline, according to 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.