Israel is lobbying the Trump administration to delay its troop withdrawal from Lebanon as required by a ceasefire with Hezbollah, but Trump has expressed his opposition to any extensions. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has requested to maintain military outposts in Lebanon post-deadline. Hezbollah has grown impatient over Israel’s ceasefire violations, signaling rising tensions in the region.
Israel is seeking to postpone the complete withdrawal of its forces from Lebanon, as stipulated by a ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah, but has encountered opposition from U.S. President Donald Trump. Reports indicate that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has requested the Trump administration’s approval to maintain five military outposts in Lebanon beyond the imminent withdrawal deadline, which is set for Sunday.
Israeli Army Radio reported that Trump is disinclined to permit any extensions and expects Israel to adhere to the ceasefire terms. During the previous Biden administration, there was consideration to allow Israel an additional 30 days in Lebanon, according to the outgoing Israeli ambassador to the U.S., Michael Herzog, who mentioned ongoing discussions that might lead to a mutual agreement on a withdrawal delay.
Despite the ceasefire having been in effect since November, Israel has reportedly violated its terms through numerous assaults in Lebanon. Although Hezbollah has largely refrained from significant retaliation, having launched only a single warning strike on Israeli forces, internal frustration within the group appears to be growing. Senior Hezbollah official Ghaleb Abu Zeinab warned that “Monday will be a different day” if Israeli withdrawal is not honored, indicating rising impatience within the group.
Following President Trump’s inauguration and his administration’s shift in Middle Eastern foreign policy, Trump has appointed Steve Witkoff as his envoy to the region, with the expectation of progressing ceasefire agreements. Furthermore, Trump’s appointments signal a divergence from a hawkish stance on Iran, with officials advocating a restrained military involvement in the Middle East, contrasting sharply with prior administration policies.
This article discusses the geopolitical context surrounding Israel’s military presence in Lebanon and its attempts to negotiate the terms of a withdrawal amid a tenuous ceasefire with Hezbollah. The U.S. plays a critical role in influencing these dynamics, as Israel seeks to ensure a favorable stance from the Trump administration while contending with regional political pressures and Hezbollah’s growing frustration over breaches of the ceasefire agreement.
The article highlights Israel’s attempt to negotiate an extension of its military presence in Lebanon against the backdrop of a ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah. Trump’s administration’s position appears firm on adherence to the ceasefire, which may lead to heightened tensions if Hezbollah perceives continued breaches. The evolving U.S. foreign policy under Trump suggests potential changes in longstanding approaches to Middle Eastern conflicts and engagements.
Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net
