Israel plans to stay in Lebanon on 3 bases after ceasefire: report

According to the Lebanese Al-Akhbar According to the Israeli newspaper, Israel received approval on Wednesday from US envoy Amos Hochstein and General Jasper Jeffers, head of the ceasefire monitoring committee, to establish three military bases at strategic points in southern Lebanon. . This decision comes as the 60-day deadline set by the ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah is due to end in two weeks.

The sources cited by the newspaper detail the location of the three planned bases. The first in the Al-Labbouneh area in the western sector, near Naqoura and Alma al-Shaab, facing the localities of Western Galilee. The second is planned in Jabal Blat in the central sector, between Marwahin, Ramia, Beit Lif and Al-Quuzah, facing the localities of Zarit and Shtula. The third will be established between Khiam and al-Wazzani, opposite Metula.

Israeli security cabinet sources point out that there are areas in Lebanon from which Israel does not plan to withdraw for several years. This position arises from a fundamental disagreement in the interpretation of the agreement: while Lebanon wishes to distinguish villages from terrorist infrastructures, the Israeli position is more strict, considering any building having served as an arms depot or a zone of preparation as a terrorist infrastructure that cannot be rehabilitated.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich hinted at these intentions by stating that there are “things he is refraining from saying for 15 days”, referring to the new administration of Donald Trump. His remarks reinforce estimates that Israel plans to remain in some areas even after the end of the 60 days set by the agreement, which entered into force on November 27.