Israel's ambassador to the United States, Michael Herzog, confirmed that discussions are underway between the two nations regarding Israel's withdrawal from Lebanon as the deadline for the ceasefire with Hezbollah militants approaches.
Israeli media have reported that Israel is seeking to delay the completion of its pullout, despite a U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreement requiring Israeli forces to vacate southern Lebanon by Sunday.
Newsweek has reached out to the Israeli embassy in the U.S. for further comment via email.
Why It Matters
The negotiations over Israel's withdrawal reflect the broader tensions between Israel, Lebanon, and Hezbollah, as well as the intricate diplomatic efforts between Israel and the United States. With the deadline approaching, the issue also highlights the fragile nature of the ceasefire and the challenges of post-conflict peacebuilding in the region.
The outcome of these discussions could significantly affect both Israeli military strategy and regional stability, particularly while Hezbollah threatens to resume hostilities if the withdrawal is delayed.
What to Know
The ceasefire that ended more than a year of fighting related to the conflict in the Gaza Strip requires Israeli forces to complete their withdrawal from southern Lebanon by Sunday. This ceasefire was brokered by the United States and designed to ease tensions along the border, where Israeli troops have been stationed in response to Hezbollah's militant activities.
Israel's Negotiations with the US
In an interview with Israeli army Radio, Herzog hinted that a new understanding with the Trump administration may delay the pullout. While Herzog did not provide details, Israeli officials have expressed concerns about the pace at which Lebanese troops are deploying in the areas Israel is required to vacate. The agreement calls for the Lebanese army to patrol a buffer zone alongside U.N. peacekeepers.
US Political Influence
While Israeli media report that Israel reached an understanding with the Biden administration on staying longer, President Donald Trump has publicly urged Israel to adhere to the original timeline. No immediate comment has been made by the United States on the matter, leaving the exact nature of the negotiations unclear.
Hezbollah's Threats
Hezbollah has warned that it will resume rocket and drone attacks if Israel does not fulfill its obligation to withdraw on time. The militant group's threats underscore the fragile ceasefire and the potential for renewed violence in the region.
How Did the Recent Conflict Start?
The Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip started in October 2023, after Iran-backed Hamas' surprise attack on Israel that killed 1,200 people and saw 250 others taken hostage.
Israel's military campaign has killed over 47,000 Palestinians in Gaza, according to health authorities, who say women and children make up more than half the fatalities but do not say how many of the dead were fighters. Israel says it killed over 17,000 militants, without providing evidence. Israel says 891 of its soldiers have been killed in the past 16 months of conflict.
Hezbollah, which is also backed by Iran and sided with Hamas by launching missiles into Israel, has been weakened by its 14-month war with Israel, which ended in late November when a U.S.-brokered 60-day ceasefire went into effect. The war left 4,000 people dead and more than 16,000 wounded. Israel says over 2,700 of those killed were Hezbollah militants without providing evidence, and it says 50 of its soldiers have been killed in Lebanon.
What People Are Saying
Israel's ambassador to the U.S., Michael Herzog said: "The agreement provided a 60-day timeline for the withdrawal [of the Israeli army] from southern Lebanon and for the Lebanese army to take its place, but this timeline is not set in stone and was formulated with some flexibility." He told Israeli army Radio, as cited by L'Orient Today.
Hezbollah said Washington is "a full partner in the crimes and genocide that the enemy committed against the Palestinian people."
What Happens Next
As the deadline for Israel's withdrawal approaches, both diplomatic negotiations and military readiness will play a critical role in determining whether the ceasefire will hold.
This article included reporting from The Associated Press
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