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The United States has called for an urgent extension of the ceasefire in Lebanon, highlighting the necessity of halting hostilities to ensure Hezbollah does not pose further threats to the region.
The White House has expressed satisfaction with Israel’s ongoing military withdrawal from central Lebanon, marking a significant shift in the operational dynamics along the border with the Iran-backed Hezbollah group.
Brian Hughes, spokesperson for the White House National Security Council, emphasized the importance of a temporary ceasefire extension, stating that “all parties share the goal of ensuring Hezbollah does not have the ability to threaten the Lebanese people or their neighbors.”
Hughes acknowledged the ongoing efforts of the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) as they began to pull out from central Lebanon, noting that while the situation remains tense, Israel is committed to ensuring that Hezbollah’s capabilities are neutralized.
“We are pleased that the IDF has started the withdrawal from the central regions, and we continue to work closely with our regional partners to finalize the extension,” Hughes said in a statement on Friday.
Israel’s decision to extend its presence in southern Lebanon comes in response to the lack of full implementation of the terms agreed upon in a ceasefire deal with Hezbollah.
According to the Israeli Prime Minister’s office, Israeli forces will remain in southern Lebanon beyond a 60-day deadline stipulated by the ceasefire deal.
Despite the deadline passing, the Israeli government insists that the terms have yet to be fully met, leading to a delay in the withdrawal process.
Israel’s military operations in southern Lebanon began following a series of aerial attacks launched by Hezbollah on northern and central Israel, starting on October 8, 2023.
This came one day after Hezbollah’s ally, Hamas, initiated a devastating attack on southern Israel, resulting in the massacre of nearly 1,200 people.
As part of its operations, the IDF has located and dismantled numerous Hezbollah weapons caches and uncovered plans that suggested the group intended to carry out a raid similar to the one perpetrated by Hamas.
The Israeli military’s efforts have thus far been focused on neutralizing these threats and preventing any further attacks from Hezbollah.
Despite the ongoing military engagements, Israel and the United States have expressed a shared commitment to regional stability, with both parties pushing for a resolution that curbs Hezbollah’s growing influence in the region.
The temporary ceasefire extension is seen as a necessary step to allow further diplomatic efforts and ensure the safety of civilians in both Lebanon and Israel.
The current situation in Lebanon remains fluid, with Hezbollah continuing to maintain a significant military presence in the region.
As the Israeli military reduces its footprint in central Lebanon, the United States has stressed the need for continued cooperation among regional stakeholders to prevent Hezbollah from regaining the ability to launch aggressive actions against its neighbors.
The ongoing diplomatic and military actions signal a continued international focus on mitigating the influence of Hezbollah, while striving to maintain peace and security in an already volatile region.