UN says delay in Israel’s Lebanon withdrawal ‘violation’ of resolution on ending war

The UN’s Lebanon envoy and peacekeeping force warns that Israel’s delayed withdrawal from five points in the country violated the UN resolution that ended the 2006 Hezbollah-Israel war and formed the basis for a recent truce.

“Today marks the end of the period set for the withdrawal of the Israel Defense Forces… and the parallel Lebanese Armed Forces deployment to positions in southern Lebanon,” the joint statement says, adding: “Another delay in this process is not what we hoped would happen, not least because it continues a violation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701 (2006).”

Israel, with approval from the US, which brokered the agreement, says it will remain in five key posts, to ensure security.

The UN statement also praises the progress made as Israel withdrew the rest of the forces.

“This should not, however, overshadow the tangible progress that has been made since the Understanding came into force in late November. The Israel Defense Forces have withdrawn from population centers in southern Lebanon and the Lebanese Armed Forces have deployed in challenging conditions, supporting the return of communities and working to restore critical services,” the statement says.