IDF may extend Lebanon stay by 30 days

REASON FOR MOVE | Israel says it is weighing on whether to move out of southern Lebanon as the latter's army has failed to deploy in the area within the 60-day stipulated period in the ceasefire deal

- Agencies

Israel could extend its presence in Lebanon for an additional 30 days beyond the 60-day withdrawal period stipulated in its ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah, the Al Akhbar outlet, aligned with the terror group, quoted Lebanese army officials as saying.

The newspaper cited a message sent by US military official Major General Jasper Jeffers, who is tasked with overseeing the ceasefire, to the Lebanese Armed Forces indicating that the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) will decide whether to request the extension depending on if it can "fulfill its goals of ensuring the end of (Hezbollah's) ability to carry out a preemptive attack".

Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem has warned "patience may run out" even before the 60-day window is up. As part of the truce agreement signed on November 27, 2024, the IDF is required to cede all of its positions in southern Lebanon to the LAF within 60 days.