JERUSALEM

The Israel army is unlikely to complete its withdrawal from southern Lebanon within the 72-hour deadline stipulated in the recent ceasefire agreement, the Israeli Public Broadcasting Authority Kan claimed in its report on Wednesday.

Army generals informed the Knesset’s Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee in a closed-door meeting that the army would not be able to pull out in the timeframe specified in the ceasefire agreement, according to the broadcaster.

During the meeting, it added, Northern Command Chief Major General Ori Gordin presented a “grim outlook” on the situation along the Lebanon border.

Despite the Israeli army's numerous open violations, Gordin claimed that Hezbollah was actively violating the ceasefire with the support of the Lebanese army.

On the contrary, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar reiterated Tel Aviv's commitment to the ceasefire during a meeting with UN envoy Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert.

Sa'ar stated that Israel's withdrawal must align with its security needs and be gradual, without explicitly confirming adherence to the deadline.

On Wednesday, the Israeli army committed eight ceasefire violations in Lebanon, bringing the total to 629 breaches since the agreement went into effect on Nov. 27.

A fragile ceasefire has been in place, ending a period of mutual shelling between Israel and the Lebanese resistance group, Hezbollah, that began on Oct. 8, 2023, and escalated into full-scale conflict on Sept. 23.

*Writing by Mohammad Sio