Beirut, Lebanon – Israel has requested another 10-day extension for the withdrawal of its troops from southern Lebanon, a Western diplomatic source told the BBC. The move is likely to raise concerns in Lebanon, a country with a long history of Israeli occupation.

Israeli forces were initially set to pull out next week, but if granted, the extension would see them remain in five key positions until February 28.

The request comes amid tensions over the implementation of the ceasefire agreement that ended 14 months of conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.

The ceasefire deal, brokered by the United States and France, came into effect on November 27 and mandates the withdrawal of Israeli troops from southern Lebanon, as well as the removal of Hezbollah fighters and weapons from the region.

However, the agreement has already seen one deadline extension, after Israel claimed Lebanon had not fully implemented its obligations. Lebanese authorities, in turn, accused Israel of stalling its withdrawal.

Lebanese Government Pushes Back

The new Lebanese government, led by President Joseph Aoun, has made the restoration of territorial sovereignty a key priority and is firmly opposing any further delays.

“There is no truth to reports that another extension has been agreed,” President Aoun’s office stated on Wednesday, adding that Lebanon remains committed to the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces by the upcoming deadline.

Israeli presence in southern Lebanon remains a sensitive issue, given the country’s 18-year occupation of the region from 1982 to 2000. For many Lebanese, any delay in withdrawal raises fears of a prolonged Israeli military presence.

As part of the ceasefire agreement, thousands of Lebanese troops were supposed to deploy to the south to establish control over an area where Hezbollah has traditionally been dominant. However, with Israeli troops still stationed in certain areas, this deployment remains partially incomplete.

Ongoing Tensions Despite Ceasefire

Despite the ceasefire, hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah continue. On Wednesday, Israeli warplanes flew at low altitude over Beirut, breaking the sound barrier for the first time since the truce began.

Israeli officials have vowed to continue targeting Hezbollah to prevent it from rearming or rebuilding its military infrastructure.

The Iran-backed group, which operates as both a political and armed force, suffered heavy losses during the conflict, including the reported death of its leader, Hassan Nasrallah.

While the ceasefire was seen by many as a major blow to Hezbollah, the group continues to maintain strong support among Lebanon’s Shia Muslim population.

A Costly Conflict

The 14-month war, which escalated in September 2024 after Israel launched a widespread military campaign against Hezbollah, resulted in devastating losses for Lebanon.

Lebanese authorities report that around 4,000 people were killed, including many civilians, and more than 1.2 million residents were displaced. The conflict also inflicted billions of dollars in destruction and economic damage.

Israel has justified its military campaign as necessary to secure its northern communities, where Hezbollah’s rocket and drone attacks had displaced around 60,000 Israeli residents.

The group initiated hostilities after Hamas’ October 7 attacks on southern Israel, declaring its actions as solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.

With the withdrawal deadline fast approaching, diplomatic negotiations are intensifying. Whether Israel’s latest request for an extension is granted remains to be seen.

However, with Lebanon adamantly opposing further delays, tensions between the two sides show no sign of easing.