Tue Feb 18 07:51:45 UTC 2025: ## Israel Partially Withdraws from Lebanon, Casting Doubt on Ceasefire
**BEIRUT/JERUSALEM** – Israel has begun withdrawing its forces from southern Lebanon, but its refusal to vacate five strategic border locations is fueling concerns about the fragility of the November ceasefire agreement. While the majority of Israeli troops met the extended February 18th deadline, the continued presence in these locations has been met with criticism from Lebanon and Hezbollah.
The Israeli military claims these positions are necessary for the protection of northern Israeli communities and are a “temporary measure” approved by the US-led monitoring body. However, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun expressed distrust of Israel’s intentions, echoing concerns voiced by Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warned of retaliatory action against any Hezbollah violations.
The ceasefire, brokered by the US and France, followed months of intense cross-border fighting that resulted in over 4,000 deaths in Lebanon, according to the Ministry of Public Health. The deal stipulated a phased Israeli withdrawal, concurrent with the deployment of the Lebanese army and UN peacekeepers in southern Lebanon, and a Hezbollah pullback north of the Litani River.
Despite the partial withdrawal, Israel’s continued presence in the five border locations, coupled with ongoing alleged attacks against Hezbollah, casts a shadow over the already tenuous ceasefire. Lebanon has rejected any extension of the withdrawal period and is urging the agreement’s sponsors to pressure Israel. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insists Israel will enforce the ceasefire and disarm Hezbollah.
The conflict has left Lebanon with an estimated $10 billion in reconstruction costs and approximately 100,000 internally displaced people, according to UN figures. The long-term viability of the ceasefire remains uncertain amidst these ongoing tensions.
First Piper 