The Trump administration has taken a hardline stance by mandating the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) to vacate southern Lebanon by Feb. 18, a deadline that stands firm despite Israel's pleas for an extension.
As Lebanon, supported by international allies, gears up to regain full control over its territory, it plans to take concrete actions to uphold a ceasefire and oversee regional stability, as Newsmax reports, with Trump making America's position on Israel's obligations clear.
The request from Israel to prolong the presence of the IDF beyond the initial Jan. 26 deadline was directly conveyed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Trump. This request, however, was not met with approval from the U.S. administration.
Concerns from Israel center around maintaining a buffer zone free of Hezbollah influence in southern Lebanon, which they argue is vital for the security of nearby Israeli towns. Nevertheless, the United States has maintained its position, with U.S. Deputy Special Envoy to the Middle East, Morgan Ortagus, underscoring the unwavering deadline after her inspections along the Lebanon-Israel border.
Ortagus highlighted, "February 18th will be the date for redeployment whenever the Israeli -- the IDF troops will finish their redeployment." She emphasized the commitment to this date during her discussions in Lebanon and Israel.
Meanwhile, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has advocated for the total exit of IDF forces, including from five key positions. He has also rejected a proposal from France regarding oversight, underscoring Lebanon's stance on asserting its authority over its territory. Lebanon's new government, led by Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, has expressed its determination to enforce U.N. Resolution 1701 and comply with the Taif Agreement. These agreements aim to disarm Hezbollah and extend governmental power across Lebanon.
A significant meeting involving all parties is scheduled in a-Naqoura, located in southern Lebanon. The focus of this gathering will be to strategize the deployment of international and Lebanese forces following IDF's withdrawal.
Prime Minister Nawaf Salam stressed, "It is first of all a question of implementing the Taif agreement which emphasizes that the state must impose its authority over its entire territory." He reiterated Lebanon's commitment to achieving an on-time Israeli withdrawal and utilizing diplomatic avenues to ensure it.
Ortagus further detailed that while IDF troops will complete their redeployment by the set date, Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) would take their place to maintain order and security in the region. She stated, "And of course, the LAF troops will come in behind them. So, we are very committed to that firm date." The Trump administration's decision to adhere to the February 18 deadline marks a critical juncture for Lebanon, as it seeks to exercise its state authority over regions affected by past conflicts.
International support for Lebanon’s efforts to regain control is strong, despite differing views within the international community about the approach. Lebanon remains firm in its decision to proceed as planned, illustrating its resolve to manage its internal security autonomously.
Nawaf Salam confirmed, "We are committed to an Israeli withdrawal on time and will use all diplomatic channels to achieve this. Lebanon has kept all its commitments within the framework of this ceasefire."
As the deadline approaches, the involvement of international forces is seen as a pivotal step in ensuring stability in the region after the withdrawal. The Lebanese government’s initiatives are closely watched by global powers who have deep-seated interests in the Middle Eastern geopolitical landscape.
With anticipation building for the upcoming meeting in a-Naqoura, the agreements and discussions there will serve as important determinants of peace and collaboration efforts moving forward.
