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Shaky foundations

REVEALED: Israel's secret 60-day deadline in Lebanon - And why they might stay longer

Despite tensions, Israeli officials assess that an immediate collapse of the agreement remains unlikely, though they acknowledge ongoing risks.

Israeli forces on the border with Lebanon, December 16, 2024
Photo by Ayal Margolin/Flash90

Israeli military officials have outlined their approach to maintaining the recent ceasefire agreement along the Lebanese border, indicating they're prepared to respond to violations even if it means renewed conflict. According to sources familiar with the situation, the IDF's position in southern Lebanon will continue past the initial 60-day period if conditions aren't met.

The tripartite monitoring mechanism - involving Israeli, Lebanese, and American representatives - continues to oversee the implementation of the agreement. Israeli officials have expressed dissatisfaction with the pace of Lebanese army deployments, stating they "need to start hurrying up."

Al-Akhbar newspaper, widely considered to reflect Hezbollah's positions, reports growing concern over the agreement's stability, citing what it calls Israeli military activities in southern Lebanon. Since the ceasefire began, Israeli forces have reported eliminating 40 militants in what they describe as responses to probing actions.

The agreement requires the Lebanese army to deploy south of the Litani River and dismantle Hezbollah infrastructure. While Lebanese forces have begun operations in Al-Khiam, Israeli officials say the progress falls short of expectations.

Israeli military sources confirm the IDF maintains its positions inside southern Lebanon and continues operations against discovered Hezbollah infrastructure - activities they say fall within the agreement's parameters.

N12 contributed to this article.

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