Israel said to request additional 30 days to complete IDF withdrawal from Lebanon

Israel has asked the US for an additional 30 days to carry out the withdrawal of its troops from southern Lebanon, according to Hebrew media reports, days ahead of the 60-day deadline stipulated in the ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah.

Under the terms of the November 27 truce agreement, the IDF is required to cede all of its positions in southern Lebanon to the Lebanese Armed Forces by January 26. In recent weeks, however, Israel has assessed that the Lebanese forces have deployed too slowly across the region, delaying the IDF’s withdrawal as a result.

Citing sources familiar with the matter, the Haaretz daily reports that the US and France are discussing the requested extension with Israeli and Lebanese officials. The source assesses that France sees no issue with granting the extension, so long as the other parties are in agreement.

Earlier this morning, Army Radio reported that US President Donald Trump’s administration is less inclined to grant a 30-day reprieve than his predecessor’s was, and wants the full withdrawal completed by Sunday.

Israel’s outgoing ambassador to the US nevertheless told the radio network that he believes Jerusalem and Washington will “reach an understanding” on the matter and the extension will ultimately be granted.