US Support for Continued Deployment of Israeli Army in Southern Lebanon

The Times of Israel reported, citing a US government official, that the United States supports the continued deployment of the Israeli army in five areas in southern Lebanon after the expiration of the deadline set in the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah. This American official, referring to Washington's trust in the new Lebanese president, noted: "We are waiting to see whether the Lebanese armed forces will implement the signed ceasefire agreement to counter Hezbollah's strengthening or not." The official, whose identity was not disclosed in the report, added: "If the Lebanese government fulfills its promise regarding dealing with Hezbollah, Israel can withdraw from the border areas of southern Lebanon; otherwise, the withdrawal will be delayed again." This American official stated that the United States believes Joseph Aoun, the new Lebanese president, can steer the country away from the deadlocks created by Hezbollah and the Islamic Republic, and now is the opportunity to prove this capability. According to the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah, the Israeli army is supposed to evacuate southern Lebanon by February 18 and hand over control of these areas to the Lebanese army. Hezbollah must also withdraw all its forces to the north of the Litani River by the same day. The ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon, mediated by the United States and France, came into effect on December 7 of this year. According to the terms of this agreement, the Lebanese army must be deployed in the south of the country alongside United Nations peacekeeping forces (UNIFIL) during the Israeli army's withdrawal over a 60-day period. Lebanon prevented a Mahan Air plane from landing at Beirut Airport. Israel: The Revolutionary Guards continue to smuggle cash for Hezbollah. The Prime Minister of Lebanon called for full government control over the country's territory. Formation of a new government in Lebanon; Hezbollah is not participating. The US has set a "red line" for Hezbollah: We are not afraid of them.