Israel’s full withdrawal from Lebanon to take beyond 60 days deadline – PM Netanyahu

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday announced that the Irael Defense Forces (IDF) will not complete its full withdrawal from southern Lebanon by the 60-day deadline stipulated under the ceasefire deal with Hezbollah.

According to a report by The Times of Israel, Netanyahu’s office released a statement clarifying that “the IDF’s withdrawal process is conditional on the Lebanese Army deploying in southern Lebanon and fully and effectively enforcing the agreement, while Hezbollah withdraws beyond the Litani.”

Under the ceasefire agreement that ended the war with Hezbollah in Lebanon, Israeli forces are supposed to have completed their withdrawal within 60 days, or by a January 26 deadline.

Netanyahu said Lebanon “has not yet fully enforced” its obligations under the ceasefire. Consequently, he stated, “The phased withdrawal process will continue, in full coordination with the United States.”