Israel might stay in southern Lebanon beyond 60-day cease-fire deal: Report

The Israeli army might stay in southern Lebanon beyond the 60-day deadline set in last month's cease-fire agreement, according to Israeli media on Sunday.

Israel Hayom newspaper said Tel Aviv is looking into keeping its forces at some points of control in southern Lebanon beyond the 60 days outlined in the cease-fire deal.

This suggestion was discussed at the highest political and security levels in Israel, the daily said.

The Israeli outlet attributed the move to what it called the “slow deployment of the Lebanese army in the region.”

“This is in addition to the large amount of Hezbollah weapons and infrastructure that are still being found in the area and the group's efforts to rebuild its strength with Iran's help," it claimed.

A fragile cease-fire has been in place between Lebanon and Israel since Nov. 27 to end over 14 months of intense fighting between the Israeli army and Hezbollah.

Under the cease-fire terms, Israel is required to withdraw its forces south of the Blue Line—a de facto border—in phases, while the Lebanese army is to deploy in southern Lebanon within 60 days.

Data from the Lebanese Health Ministry indicates that since Israel's onslaught against Lebanon began on Oct. 8, 2023, at least 4,063 victims have been killed, including women, children, and health workers, while 16,663 others have been injured.