Israeli forces will remain in southern Lebanon beyond Sunday’s 60-day withdrawal deadline, citing unmet terms in the U.S.-France-brokered ceasefire with Hezbollah, officials confirmed Friday. The agreement required Hezbollah to disarm and retreat north of the Litani River while Lebanese troops deployed—conditions Israel claims remain unfulfilled. 🌍
Why It Matters: The standoff reignites fears of renewed clashes in a region where over 1.2 million Lebanese were displaced during last year’s conflict. Israel’s military says it’s still dismantling Hezbollah infrastructure, while the group warns delayed withdrawal breaches the deal. ⚠️
Behind the Scenes: U.S. National Security Council spokesperson Brian Hughes called for a \"short, temporary extension\" to finalize details, underscoring President Trump’s focus on stabilizing the area. Meanwhile, Hezbollah—already weakened by the loss of leader Hassan Nasrallah and Syria’s disrupted supply routes—claims Lebanon must respond \"through all means\" if Israel stays. 💥
What’s Next: No timeline was given for Israel’s full exit, but the White House insists negotiations are \"ongoing.\" For now, residents on both sides of the border wait anxiously as diplomacy hangs by a thread. 🕒
