Official statements from the Israeli government or U.S. government announcements

Israel Seeks 30-Day Extension for Lebanon Withdrawal Amid Netanyahu's Request to Maintain Outposts

Jan 23, 2025, 10:20 AM

Israel has requested a 30-day extension from the United States to complete its military withdrawal from southern Lebanon, as the deadline set by a ceasefire agreement approaches. The agreement, signed on November 27, stipulated a 60-day withdrawal period, which is due to end on January 26. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has also asked U.S. President Donald Trump for permission to maintain five military outposts in the region, citing security concerns and incomplete implementation of the agreement due to the slow deployment of the Lebanese army. The Israeli Security Cabinet is set to meet to discuss the potential extension and the ongoing military presence in southern Lebanon. The U.S. has been pressuring Israel to adhere to the original withdrawal timeline, while the Biden administration had previously considered granting a 30-day extension.