Macron called on all parties to honor their commitments 'as soon as possible'

French President Emmanuel Macron on Saturday called on the parties involved in the Lebanon cease-fire to honor their commitments "as soon as possible," as Lebanon accuses Israel of "delaying" its withdrawal from the South.

Macron made this request during a phone conversation with his Lebanese counterpart Joseph Aoun. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office stated on Friday that the withdrawal of armed forces would continue beyond the Jan. 26 deadline, which falls on a Sunday, as set by the agreement.

"The president of the Republic reiterated that the commitments made by the parties should be honored as soon as possible, so Lebanon can reclaim its sovereignty over its entire territory. The president of the Republic reiterated France's constant commitment to this cause," reported the Elysee.

Macron also praised "the progress made over the past two months, particularly thanks to the sustained involvement of the Lebanese Army in implementing the cease-fire conditions." The Lebanese presidency also reported on Saturday this phone conversation between Aoun and Macron. According to it, the Lebanese president emphasized "the need to compel Israel to adhere to the provisions of the agreement to maintain stability in the South."

A cease-fire came into effect on Nov. 27 after two months of open warfare between Israel and Hezbollah. France had participated, alongside the United States, in mediation efforts to reach this truce. The Lebanese Army indicated Saturday that it is ready to deploy in the south of the country.

According to the terms of the cease-fire agreement concluded between Israel and Hezbollah, the Lebanese Army is to position itself alongside United Nations peacekeeping forces (UNIFIL) in the South, as the Israeli army withdraws over a 60-day period. For its part, Hezbollah must withdraw its forces north of the Litani River, approximately 30 kilometers from the Lebanese-Israeli border, and dismantle any remaining military infrastructure in the South.