Beirut: The Lebanese government on Monday agreed to an extension of the deadline for Israeli occupation forces to pull out of southern Lebanon until February 18. Lebanon's caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati announced the decision following consultations with President Joseph Aoun and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri regarding recent developments in the region.
According to Kuwait News Agency, the monitoring committee is actively overseeing the implementation of the ceasefire deal and United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolution 1701. The United States confirmed on Sunday that the agreement will remain effective until February 18, following Israel's announcement to maintain its forces in the south beyond the original deadline.
The White House stated, "The arrangement between Lebanon and Israel, monitored by the United States, will continue to be in effect until February 18, 2025." In response, Prime Minister Mikati urged all nations that sponsored the ceasefire with Israel to uphold their commitments and halt any further aggression.
The Israeli occupation had declared on Friday its intention to keep its forces on the ground past the Sunday deadline outlined in the U.S.-brokered ceasefire, which concluded last year's conflict in Lebanon. The agreement required Israeli forces to withdraw from southern Lebanon as Hezbollah's weapons and fighters were removed and the Lebanese army took charge within a 60-day timeframe, which ended on Sunday morning.