Israel Rejects French Proposal for Withdrawal from Lebanon
Israel rejected France’s plan to replace its forces with UNIFIL troops in southern Lebanon, aiming to maintain military presence in five locations. The U.S. supports an extended Israeli stay, while Lebanese officials, including President Aoun, deny any agreed extension. Significant military planning is ongoing to ensure Lebanese army control, amidst concerns of Hezbollah’s resurgence after potential Israeli withdrawal.
Israel has officially rejected a proposal from France, which aimed to replace Israeli forces in southern Lebanon with UNIFIL troops and French military personnel. This initiative was intended to expedite Israel’s withdrawal by the imminent deadline of February 18. According to a report by the Jerusalem Post, Israel plans to maintain its military presence in five key locations within the region.
Earlier reports from Israel’s Broadcasting Corporation noted that the United States supports a prolonged Israeli military presence in southern Lebanon. As cited by Reuters, Israel has sought a 10-day extension on the withdrawal deadline, delaying withdrawal until February 28. Additionally, a Saudi media report indicated that an agreement had been reached among Israel, the United States, and Lebanon to extend Israel’s military presence for at least another month, although Lebanese officials, including President Joseph Aoun, have contested this claim.
President Aoun has firmly rejected any potential extension, contradicting the narrative presented by Saudi media outlet Al-Hadath. A report by the Al-Akhbar newspaper, published on February 12, affirmed Lebanon’s rejection of the French proposal and expressed opposition to any alteration of the UNIFIL mandate. Furthermore, Israel’s Channel 12 reported that the nation seeks to retain its military presence at five border locations to establish a buffer zone.
A meeting of the U.S.-led tripartite mechanism overseeing the ceasefire was conducted in Naqoura on February 14, marking the fifth session. CENTCOM announced that the participants engaged in military technical planning to ensure the Lebanese army assumes control of all remaining villages in the Southern Litani Area before the February 18 deadline. Major General Jasper Jeffers, the co-chair of the U.S. Mechanism, expressed confidence in the Lebanese Armed Forces’ ability to gain control: “We have made significant progress over the last few months…”
Per the ceasefire agreement established by UN Resolution 1701, the Lebanese army was tasked with dismantling Hezbollah’s infrastructure south of the Litani River within a 60-day timeframe, concluding on January 26. Concurrently, Israeli forces were expected to withdraw from southern Lebanon. However, Israel contended that the Lebanese army had failed to fulfill its duties, prompting a request for an extension until February 18.
As the original deadline waned, Israeli forces engaged in violence against Lebanese civilians returning to their homes after displacement due to conflict, raising concerns about the heightened tensions in the region. The potential for Hezbollah’s resurgence near the border was also highlighted as a significant concern for Israeli security.
In conclusion, Israel’s rejection of France’s proposal to expedite its military withdrawal from southern Lebanon highlights ongoing tensions in the region. As the deadline approaches, the U.S. has backed an extended presence for Israeli forces, while Lebanese officials firmly oppose any extensions. Major General Jasper Jeffers has indicated progress in military planning for the Lebanese army’s control, but fears remain regarding Hezbollah’s potential resurgence. The situation remains dynamic and fraught with uncertainty as the region seeks stability.
Original Source: thecradle.co
