Hezbollah fires at an Israeli-held border zone, the group’s first strike since a ceasefire began
Associated PressDec 07, 2024
Israel Seeking 30-Day Extension for Lebanon Withdrawal
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Above: Lebanese army soldiers sit next to their parked military vehicles along a road in the southern Lebanese coastal town of Naqura, on the border with Israel on Jan. 7, 2025. Image copyright: Contributor/AFP via Getty Images
The Facts
Israel is reportedly seeking a 30-day extension to withdraw its forces from South Lebanon, with the US, France, Lebanon, and Israel discussing the matter. Without an extension, Israel is expected to fully withdraw from Lebanon on Sunday, allowing the Lebanese army to deploy to the region.
Israel said that there have been "positive movements" regarding the Lebanese army, but "these movements have not been fast enough, and there is much more work to do." Lebanese Pres. Joseph Aoun urged the US and France to ensure the deadline for Israel's withdrawal was met.
Israeli media has reported that US Pres. Donald Trump has been unwilling to grant Israel the extension. Outgoing Israeli ambassador to the US Michael Herzog said that he believes that Israel and the US will "reach an understanding" and Israel will be granted the extension.
The Spin
Pro-Israel narrative
Israel must remain in South Lebanon for a while longer due to Hezbollah's continued violations of the cease-fire agreement. The Lebanese army has been too slow to act, and Israel is still finding weapon depots and terror tunnels throughout the region. Indeed, if Lebanon again fails to reel Hezbollah in, Israel may have to resume its high-intensity operations against the terror group.
Anti-Israel narrative
Of course, as Israel continues to violate the cease-fire it also seeks to continue its occupation of Lebanese land. Hezbollah has been extremely cooperative with outside powers, and Israel must withdraw from Lebanon by the deadline. If Israel remains on Lebanese territory after the deadline, occupation forces will be treated as such and confronted.
