The United States confirmed that Israel and Lebanon have agreed to extend the deadline for Israeli troop withdrawal from southern Lebanon until February 18.

This extension comes after Israel requested additional time beyond the initially stipulated 60 days to complete the withdrawal, aiming to maintain stability between the two nations.

In addition to the extension, the White House announced that negotiations would commence for the return of Lebanese prisoners captured since October 7, 2023. This development is part of broader efforts to cement peace in the region.

The U.S. has pledged $117 million in security assistance to Lebanon to support the implementation of the cease-fire agreement with Israel. However, tensions persist as the Israeli army was reported to have committed eight violations of the cease-fire last week, accumulating to 629 breaches since the ceasefire was established on November 27.

The cease-fire, which has been fragile, ended a cycle of mutual shelling that started on October 8, 2023, and escalated into a full-scale conflict on September 23 of the previous year between Israel and the Hezbollah group. This agreement represents a significant step towards peace, although challenges remain in fully securing the area. (ILKHA)