U.S. calls for "short" Lebanon ceasefire extension as Israel set to breach deadline
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An Israeli military vehicle drives near the border between Israel and southern Lebanon. Photo: Martin Fraser/Getty Images
The Israeli military will not complete its withdrawal from southern Lebanon within the 60-day period set out in the ceasefire deal that ended its war with Hezbollah, the Israeli prime minister's office said Friday.
Why it matters: Hezbollah has warned that it will consider the ceasefire null and void if Israel breaches Sunday's withdrawal deadline. The Trump administration has been negotiating with Lebanon and Israel in the last 48 hours to prevent the ceasefire from collapsing, two sources with knowledge of those discussions said.
- The Lebanese government said Friday that it considers Israel's move a violation of the ceasefire and publicly requested U.S. intervention.
The latest: National Security Council spokesperson Brian Hughes said in a statement Friday afternoon that "a short, temporary ceasefire extension is urgently needed" and the U.S. will work with "regional partners" to secure it.
- "President Trump is committed to ensuring Israeli citizens can safely return to their homes in northern Israel, while also supporting President Aoun and the new Lebanese government," Hughes said.
What they're saying: The Israeli prime minister's office contended that Israel is not violating the ceasefire because the deal is based on the Lebanese Army "fully and effectively enforcing the agreement" — including Hezbollah's withdrawal north of the Litani River — which Israel contends remains incomplete.
- Therefore, "the phased withdrawal process will continue, in full coordination with the United States," the statement said.
- The Israeli government further contended that the agreement's terms that the IDF's "phased withdrawal should be implemented within 60 days" were written with the understanding that the withdrawal process "may continue beyond 60 days."
- Both the Lebanese government and the Hezbollah militant group disagree, and argue Israel is preparing to violate the deal.
Behind the scenes: Israeli officials tell Axios they have told the Trump administration they remain committed to implementing the ceasefire deal but need more time beyond the 60 days to fully withdraw from southern Lebanon.
What to watch: The ceasefire was brokered by the Biden administration in late November but the process was also coordinated with the incoming Trump administration, which now bears responsibility for trying to maintain it.
