IDF Opens Fire in Lebanon as Deadline for Military Withdrawal Passes

January 26, 2025

12:09 PM

Reading time: 5 Minutes


On Sunday morning, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) opened fire on five Lebanese individuals who attempted to cross into the Israeli-controlled area of Kfar Kila in southern Lebanon. This incident came after the expiration of a 60-day deadline for the IDF to withdraw from parts of southern Lebanon, which had passed earlier that morning.

According to sources from both the Jerusalem Post and Lebanese media, the individuals were wounded by the gunfire. However, the IDF has not confirmed any casualties, only stating that the soldiers opened fire to ensure the Lebanese individuals distanced themselves from IDF positions. The situation is still under investigation to determine if there were any injuries.

The Context: IDF’s Stance on Withdrawal

Kfar Kila is one of several locations in southern Lebanon where the IDF has not fully withdrawn. The Israeli military cites concerns over the Lebanese Army's insufficient deployment in the region and its failure to fully dismantle Hezbollah weapons, which continue to pose a threat. The IDF has pointed out instances where it had to act quickly to destroy Hezbollah arms after the Lebanese Army delayed or failed to do so.

Despite claims of violations by Israel, particularly from the Lebanese government, Hezbollah, and France, the IDF maintains that its actions are necessary for the region’s security. The Lebanese militant group has refrained from firing rockets or mortars into Israel since the ceasefire deal with Hezbollah was signed in November 2023.

The IDF’s Strategic Approach to Hezbollah

In the aftermath of the 2006 Second Lebanon War, Israel is determined not to allow Hezbollah to re-establish a significant military presence in southern Lebanon. The IDF has vowed to prevent Hezbollah from regaining the ability to launch rocket attacks or prepare for a potential invasion of Israel. The failure of the Lebanese Army and UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon) to sufficiently counter Hezbollah in the past is a major reason for Israel’s extended presence.

Although the IDF has not made a definitive statement on how long it will stay in southern Lebanon, leaks from Israeli officials suggest a potential 30-day extension beyond the 60-day deadline. This extension could be implemented if the Lebanese Army does not fully deploy in southern Lebanon or if Hezbollah continues to pose a threat.

Hezbollah’s Response and Global Diplomatic Pressures

Hezbollah has issued warnings about the potential for military action if Israel extends its presence beyond the agreed-upon timeframe. However, as of Sunday morning, it appears that Hezbollah is seeking a diplomatic resolution and hopes that international pressure will lead to Israel’s withdrawal without triggering another conflict.

In related news, Lebanon's National Army has accused Israel of procrastinating in fulfilling its obligation to withdraw troops from southern Lebanon, as outlined in a ceasefire agreement brokered by the United States.

In a statement released on Saturday, the Lebanese army also urged civilians to avoid entering the border region due to the presence of mines and unexploded ordnance left behind by Israeli forces.

The ceasefire, which came into effect on November 27, 2023, requires Hezbollah's weapons and fighters to be removed from areas south of the Litani River, while Israeli forces were supposed to withdraw as the Lebanese army takes over the region. The 60-day time frame to implement these conditions ended on Sunday, but reports indicate that both sides have failed to meet the full terms.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office stated that the Lebanese government had not fully enforced the terms of the agreement, adding that a temporary extension of the ceasefire was necessary. The White House also supported this call, urging for a short extension to allow time for the remaining steps to be completed.

Lebanese Army’s Readiness and Delays

The Lebanese army confirmed that it had been actively working to strengthen its deployment south of the Litani River since the ceasefire’s inception. However, they cited significant delays due to Israel's procrastination in its withdrawal. According to the Lebanese military, these delays have complicated their mission and prevented them from completing their deployment as planned.

“The delays occurred in a number of phases as a result of procrastination in the withdrawal by the Israeli enemy, which complicated the mission of the army's deployment,” a statement from the Lebanese army said. It further emphasized its readiness to complete the deployment as soon as the Israeli forces fully withdrew.

Hezbollah’s Threats and Ongoing Tensions

The war between Israel and Hezbollah, which started in October 2023, has left a significant toll on both sides. While Israel has continued to seize Hezbollah weapons and dismantle the group’s infrastructure in southern Lebanon, Hezbollah has warned that any further delay in Israeli withdrawal would be a violation of the ceasefire terms. The militant group has stressed that Lebanon’s government must take action to address the situation and has vowed to use “all means and methods guaranteed by international charters” if Israel fails to comply.

Hezbollah's role in the conflict has been critical, as the group initiated the hostilities by launching attacks on Israel in October 2023. Despite suffering major losses during the war, Hezbollah remains a formidable presence in the region.

Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron has been in communication with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, urging Israel to adhere to the ceasefire agreement and preserve regional stability. Aoun specifically requested Macron’s assistance in pressuring Israel to implement the terms of the ceasefire to avoid further escalation.

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