WH announces extension of Israel-Lebanon ceasefire, avoiding renewed fighting
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An Israeli army vehicle moves in a village in Southern Lebanon on Sunday. Photo: Amir Levy/Getty Images
The ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon will be extended until February 18, the White House said on Sunday.
Why it matters: The extension was a result of mediation efforts by the Trump administration that were aimed at preventing the collapse of the ceasefire.
- The extension will allow another three and a half weeks for Israel's military to finish its withdrawal from Southern Lebanon and for the Lebanese army to finish its deployment along the border.
Driving the news: According to the ceasefire agreement, Israel had to finish its withdrawal by Sunday at the end of a 60-day period defined in the deal.
- On Friday, the Israeli prime minister's office said the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) would not complete its withdrawal.
- Hezbollah warned that it would consider the ceasefire null and void if Israel breaches Sunday's withdrawal deadline.
- The White House said on Friday afternoon that "a short, temporary ceasefire extension is urgently needed" and the U.S. will work with "regional partners" to secure it.
- The Trump administration has been negotiating with Lebanon and Israel in the last 96 hours to prevent the ceasefire from collapsing.
- A few minutes before midnight local time the White House issued the statement announcing the extension of the ceasefire.
State of play: The situation escalated on Sunday as thousands of Lebanese, some of them Hezbollah supporters, started driving and walking towards villages close to the border with Israel where the IDF still had forces.
- The Lebanese military tried to stop the movement towards the villages as it has committed to do in the ceasefire agreement but shortly after retreated and allowed people to pass its checkpoints.
- The IDF then fired at Lebanese people who got close to its positions.
- The Lebanese ministry of health said 22 people were killed and dozens wounded.
What to watch: The White House said Lebanon, Israel, and the U.S. will also begin negotiations for the return of Lebanese prisoners captured after Oct. 7, 2023. Many of these prisoners are Hezbollah militants.
Editor's note: This article has been updated with details of Sunday's escalating tensions in Lebanon.
