Source: BBC News [UK State Media]
“The deadline for the Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon expired early on Sunday, but troops will remain in some areas as Israel says a ceasefire deal with Hezbollah has not been fully implemented. The 60-day agreement, which was brokered by the US and France and put an end to 14 months of conflict, stipulated the withdrawal of Israeli troops from southern Lebanon and the removal of Hezbollah fighters and weapons from there. At the same time, thousands of Lebanese soldiers would be deployed to the area where, for decades, Hezbollah has been the dominant force. This is the first major test for the new Lebanese president, army chief Joseph Aoun, who is keen to bring stability to the country. On Saturday, his office said ‘intensive contacts and consultations’ continued to address the situation in the south, including ‘dangerous Israeli practices.'” (01/25/25)