Why Is Israel Delaying Its Military Withdrawal from Lebanon?

The Russian newspaper Izvestia has published a report highlighting Israel’s violation of its agreement to withdraw from border areas in South Lebanon by January 27.

Israel’s Violation of the Ceasefire Agreement

According to the report, Israel informed the United Nations peacekeeping forces (UNIFIL) of its decision to retain military forces in several strategic border points, in direct contradiction to its agreed withdrawal timeline.

Israel justifies its breach of the agreement by claiming that the Lebanese army has failed to fulfill its commitments to disarm Hezbollah. However, Beirut has documented over 500 Israeli violations of the ceasefire, revealing the occupation’s repeated transgressions.

Israel’s Stalled Withdrawal

While the ceasefire between Hezbollah and the Israeli occupation has been extended until February 18, the planned Israeli withdrawal from South Lebanon—scheduled for January 27—did not take place.

Tel Aviv has cited Lebanon’s supposed failure to disarm Hezbollah as a pretext for its continued military presence. Israeli officials claim that Hezbollah not only retained its weapons but has also been regrouping in border areas.

Additionally, Israeli military sources allege that the Lebanese army has not enforced key ceasefire terms, including disarming resistance fighters and halting their activities near the border.

Israeli Military Escalation on Lebanon’s Borders

The Times of Israel reported that the Israeli military has decided to keep two reserve brigades stationed along the Lebanese border, arguing that these forces are necessary to monitor Hezbollah’s alleged violations.

Meanwhile, sources within the Israeli armed forces insist that the occupation army is documenting Hezbollah’s movements and will take military action if necessary. Reports claim that Hezbollah continues to maintain weapons depots in South Lebanon, including mortar shells and rocket launchers.

Lebanon’s Response: Documenting Israeli Violations

Retired Lebanese General George Nader confirmed that the Israeli occupation forces remain stationed in key border zones that serve as access points into Lebanese territory. He further stated that Israel has failed to uphold its obligations under the ceasefire agreement, committing hundreds of violations.

Despite Israel’s false accusations against Hezbollah, Lebanon has actively worked to enforce the ceasefire:

• • The Lebanese army has conducted 500 security operations since the truce took effect on November 27, aimed at inspecting Hezbollah sites, dismantling its infrastructure, and securing weapons stockpiles.

• • According to Asharq Al-Awsat, Hezbollah has been fully cooperating with Lebanese authorities regarding the ceasefire terms.

The Lebanese army continues to secure territories vacated by Israeli forces, ensuring that landmines and explosive remnants are removed to protect returning civilians.

Israel and Lebanon Exchange Accusations

On January 22, Israeli Northern Command Chief Major General Uri Gordin claimed that Hezbollah had violated the ceasefire hundreds of times. He also accused Hezbollah of continuing weapons production in South Lebanon and maintaining a presence in areas where it was supposed to withdraw.

However, Lebanese authorities countered these claims by exposing 564 Israeli violations of the ceasefire agreement.

Hezbollah’s Warning: A Delayed Withdrawal Is an Attack on Lebanon

Hezbollah has issued a clear warning, stating that any deviation from the agreed 60-day withdrawal period constitutes a serious breach of the agreement and a direct attack on Lebanese sovereignty. The group has vowed to resist such violations by all means necessary.

U.S. Mediation and Israel’s Gradual Withdrawal

U.S. Special Envoy to Lebanon Amos Hochstein admitted earlier this month that the withdrawal process is slow but ongoing. He claimed that Israeli forces are gradually withdrawing from South Lebanon, moving from west to east.

However, Israel’s refusal to commit to a full withdrawal raises concerns over its long-term intentions, particularly as Lebanon moves toward forming a new government following the election of President Joseph Aoun and the appointment of former International Court of Justice Judge Nawaf Salam as Prime Minister.

The Political Landscape in Lebanon

The formation of a new Lebanese government is expected to influence the nation’s response to ongoing Israeli violations. Analysts believe that President Aoun’s election has ended Lebanon’s presidential vacuum—a crisis that had persisted since October 2022.

Prime Minister Nawaf Salam is now tasked with balancing sectarian interests while forming a technocratic government capable of implementing structural reforms.

A Fragile Truce in the Face of Israeli Provocations

Most analysts agree that neither Israel nor Hezbollah is currently interested in escalating into a full-scale war. However, Israel’s continued breach of the ceasefire agreement and its strategic delays in withdrawing from Lebanese territory raise the risk of renewed conflict.

Meanwhile, shifting power dynamics in Syria have weakened Iran’s ability to supply Hezbollah, complicating the resistance movement’s long-term strategy.

For now, Israel’s refusal to leave South Lebanon remains a dangerous provocation, one that Hezbollah has made clear will not go unchallenged.