| Israeli forces remain in position despite increasing pressure from the US |
|
Israel requests last-minute delay from US for South Lebanon withdrawal
24/1/2025
(See translation in Arabic section)
Sydney-Middle East Times Int'l: Three days before Israel is due to withdraw from South Lebanon, the country has requested a delay in the 60-day ceasefire deadline from the US.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) began a partial withdrawal from the western area of southern Lebanon at the beginning of January, evacuating the "Shiite ridge." However, Senior Israeli security officials have criticized the slow redeployment of the Lebanese army south of the Litani River, and Israeli forces remain in position despite increasing pressure from the US.
Military representatives have accused Hezbollah of having weapons and forces in prohibited areas and Major General Ori Gordin, commander of the Northern Command, has claimed that Hezbollah is responsible for "hundreds of violations" and that "the Lebanese army, which is supposed to enforce the ceasefire, is supporting the terrorist organization."
Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer has spoken with US national security advisor Mike Waltz to discuss a possible ceasefire extension. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz are due to meet to discuss the issue further.
As an ally of Hamas, Hezbollah began firing rockets at Israel in support of Gaza in October 2023. Israel retaliated and the conflict escalated in September 2024, when Israel launched an intense air campaign and ground invasion of southern Lebanon. A ceasefire deal was then put into place in November.
Sadly, this represents yet another tragic episode in the current Israel-Hamas conflict. But what are the origins of this seemingly endless hostility that's killed thousands of people and displaced millions? |
.jpg)
