Government officials in Lebanon track Israeli military movements since Israel must complete its troop withdrawal from southern regions of Lebanon by February 18. The Beirut government maintains rising suspicions that Israel will violate its agreed deadline for withdrawal which stands February 18.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun showed concern on Monday by expressing doubts that Israel would execute its entire force withdrawal. The office of President Aoun reported his concern about the total Israeli forces withdrawal failing to happen during today. The statement reveals the intense strain affecting this scenario and the doubt which continues to dominate southern Lebanon.
The Israeli military has declared its ongoing control of five strategically important military bases in Lebanese soil beyond the given deadline. The vague site information disclosure from the Israeli official sparked security concerns at Beirut because local authorities believe Israel aims to keep bases in the area after the late November truce was settled.
Israel withdrew its forces from southern Lebanon to finalize a sketchy truce agreement established between the Israeli defense forces and Hezbollah which holds the status of a major militant organization in the Lebanese security landscape. Since November the unstable truce between opposing factions has managed to survive although the current situation indicates a very precarious state of détente.
Lebanon’s worry is amplified by a barrage of reports suggesting that Israeli troop activity hasn’t fully stopped, even as the deadline approaches. In recent days, there have been multiple attacks across Lebanon, which are often perceived as warning shots or final strikes of assertiveness by Israel before a stopping of hostilities.
It was perhaps the deepest incursion yet into Lebanese territory since the cease-fire began, though drone strikes were also reported in the port city of Sidon. The strike has raised even more alarm in Beirut, which is worrying that such attacks could bloom into a wider conflict if tensions persist.
These moves reflect the delicate state of the peace deal, with both sides tense as the deadline approaches. Israel has long insisted it is abiding by the terms of the cease-fire, but Lebanon’s concerns highlight the deep-seated mistrust that pervades relations between the two countries, particularly over issues involving territorial integrity and military presence.
The presence of Hezbollah in southern Lebanon adds to the complexity. Although the group has until now shied away from direct military engagement during the ceasefire, concerns remain that perceived provocations by Israel could trigger retaliatory attacks — and bring fighting hell into the open once more.
As the February 18 deadline for Israel’s withdrawal approaches, Lebanon’s government will continue to watch the situation closely, hoping for a peaceful resolution but remaining prepared for the possibility that the situation could escalate. The coming days will be critical in determining whether the fragile peace can hold or if new tensions will emerge in what has already been a volatile and uncertain region.
