Lebanese officials dismissed the claims, asserting that no such arrangement exists and emphasising the need for Israel’s immediate withdrawal [Getty]
Lebanese officials have rejected claims by the US news site Axios that Tel Aviv, Washington, and Beirut have reached an agreement allowing Israeli forces to remain in southern Lebanon for an extended period.
On Tuesday, Axios reported that US and Israeli officials had described a “quiet understanding” between the US, Israel, and Lebanon, permitting Israeli forces to maintain control over five positions in Lebanon for “several weeks or months” until the Lebanese army stabilises the region and ensures Hezbollah no longer poses a threat.
Lebanese officials dismissed these claims, asserting that no such arrangement exists and emphasising the need for Israel’s immediate withdrawal.
Lebanese sources close to the presidency told The New Arab‘s Arabic language edition Al-Araby Al-Jadeed that the claims were “entirely false”, stressing that no such agreement had been proposed to the Lebanese presidency.
“President Joseph Aoun insists on the full and immediate withdrawal of the occupying army without delay, while also addressing the issue of Lebanese prisoners held by Israel,” the sources said.
Sources further emphasised that Israeli violations against Lebanon had continued daily, calling on the international community, particularly the sponsors of the ceasefire agreement – including the United States – to intervene and stop these breaches rather than extending Israel’s military presence.
“Any delay in withdrawal will negatively impact Lebanon’s stability and hinder its recovery efforts,” the sources added.
Five hills along the southern border remain under Israeli occupation, along with connected areas where Israeli forces are stationed.
“Israel must withdraw from these areas. The Lebanese army is fulfilling its duties, has reinforced its presence in the south, and is fully prepared to maintain security across all Lebanese territory,” the sources said.
Since the ceasefire agreement took effect on 27 November, Israel has violated it more than 1,000 times, resulting in at least 77 deaths and over 270 injuries.
The overall death toll since the conflict escalated on 8 October 2023 has surpassed 4,100, with more than 17,000 wounded, according to Lebanon’s Ministry of Health.
State Department releases $95 million in aid for the Lebanese army
In a separate report on Tuesday, Axios said that the US State Department has waived $95 million in military assistance to the Lebanese Armed Forces, despite the Trump administration’s nearly 90-day freeze on foreign aid.
The waiver signals Washington’s intent to bolster Lebanon’s military and support the new government, which took office in January.
The aid is also part of a broader strategy to weaken Hezbollah’s influence in Lebanon while ensuring the ceasefire with Israel remains intact.
A State Department spokesperson confirmed the decision to Axios, stating that the department had approved an exception to use the funds and was working with the Department of Defense to move forward with implementation.
Meanwhile, an Israeli drone strike on Tuesday targeted a vehicle in Rashkananiyeh, in the Tyre district of southern Lebanon, killing one person. Israeli army radio claimed the attack was an assassination of a member of Hezbollah’s elite Radwan unit.
Hezbollah MP Hassan Ezzedine, a member of the Loyalty to the Resistance parliamentary bloc, condemned the attack.
“The enemy continues its crimes and repeated assaults, targeting a civilian vehicle today after the driver had dropped off his family at home. This resulted in the martyrdom of Khodr Hashem in his hometown in the south,” Ezzedine said.
Hezbollah urged the international oversight committee and the Lebanese government to take action against “this blatant violation of national sovereignty”.
The group questioned how long the Lebanese state would “remain silent on these violations without taking action, despite its commitment to defending its citizens and protecting its people”.
Ezzedine called for a firm response to Israeli attacks, holding all parties accountable for applying pressure to expel Israeli forces from occupied territories. He warned that “any complacency or leniency will push our people to exercise their right to resist the enemy and expel it”.
Under ceasefire arrangements, Israel was expected to complete its withdrawal from Lebanese territory by 26 January. However, it requested an extension until 18 February, yet its forces remain stationed in five key strategic locations, with control extending over surrounding areas, encroaching on significant Lebanese land.
Since February 18, Israel has continued its military violations, conducting airstrikes in Lebanese territory, particularly in the Bekaa Valley and Baalbek-Hermel Governorate. Daily airspace violations, including over Beirut, have also persisted.
Israeli attacks since the expiration of the withdrawal deadline have killed five people and injured eight others in airstrikes targeting Wazzani, Janta, the Hermel-Qasr road, and Hermel, according to the Lebanese Ministry of Health.
