A U.S. official overseeing the cease-fire between Israel and Hezbollah indicated on Friday that Israel would withdraw from occupied towns in southern Lebanon by next week. However, his remarks added uncertainty regarding whether Israel would maintain a presence at several strategic points within Lebanese territory.
Maj. Gen. Jasper Jeffers, who chairs the U.S.-led cease-fire committee in Lebanon, expressed confidence that Lebanon's military would control "all population centers" in the country's south once the deadline for Israeli troop withdrawal elapses next Tuesday. Nonetheless, his comments left open the possibility of continued Israeli troop presence at five critical locations along the border, a plan reportedly communicated to the Lebanese government by U.S. officials.
Lebanon's Parliament Speaker, Nabih Berri, stated that U.S. officials informed him of Israel's intention to remain in five areas of Lebanese territory, a plan that the Lebanese government firmly rejected. The government has consistently asserted that Israel must withdraw completely by the deadline of February 18.
According to the terms of a 60-day cease-fire agreement signed in November that ended hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, Israeli forces were expected to withdraw from Lebanon last month. However, this withdrawal has not occurred, leaving thousands of Lebanese unable to return to their border towns, which are still occupied by Israeli military forces. The Lebanese government reported that more than two dozen individuals were killed by Israeli forces last month while attempting to enter their southern towns and villages.
With the cease-fire now extended until February 18, many in Lebanon express concerns about the potential for a prolonged Israeli occupation.
Israel's strategic affairs minister, Ron Dermer, a close advisor to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, stated this week that Israel intends to retain control of the five strategic high points until Lebanon meets its cease-fire obligations.
Under the agreement, Hezbollah is also required to withdraw from southern Lebanon, and the Lebanese military must deploy in force in that area. However, Israeli officials have repeatedly accused Hezbollah of failing to fulfill these commitments.
While the Lebanese military has deployed to several towns in southern Lebanon, this has only occurred after Israeli forces withdrew. Additionally, the Lebanese military has accused Israel of engaging in a scorched-earth policy, which includes the destruction and burning of homes as it exits towns and villages.