Israel may extend military presence in Lebanon despite ceasefire deadline
Slow deployment of Lebanese Army, discovery of Hezbollah weapons could force longer stay
Israeli defense officials are considering maintaining military forces in southern Lebanon beyond the agreed-upon 60-day withdrawal deadline, citing mounting security challenges in the region, according to Israel Hayom.
The potential extension comes amid growing concerns over the sluggish deployment of Lebanese Army forces and the continued discovery of Hezbollah military infrastructure.
The delayed deployment of Lebanese Army units to the southern region has created a significant security vacuum. Intelligence assessments suggest this delay may stem from either severe logistical constraints facing the Lebanese military or, more concerning, possible pressure from Hezbollah to prevent the army from establishing a robust presence in the area.
IDF operations continue to uncover Hezbollah military assets in the region, including a sophisticated tactical tunnel network and various weapons caches. These discoveries underscore ongoing efforts by the Iranian-backed organization to rebuild its military capabilities despite the ceasefire agreement.
The situation has prompted Israel to file formal complaints with international bodies regarding Lebanon's apparent failure to meet its obligations under the ceasefire agreement. Of particular concern are intelligence reports suggesting Iran may be exploring new supply routes to rearm Hezbollah, including potential direct flights to Beirut International Airport.
These developments could force Israel to consider more aggressive countermeasures, ranging from the interdiction of suspected arms shipments to possible military strikes within Lebanon. These options present significant diplomatic and military challenges as Israel seeks to balance security needs with regional stability.
As the withdrawal deadline approaches, Israeli officials emphasize that any decision to maintain a military presence would be limited to strategic positions deemed critical for protecting northern Israeli communities. The final determination will likely depend on developments in the coming weeks and consultations with international partners.
The All Israel News Staff is a team of journalists in Israel.
You might also like to read this:
