by Jason Ditz, antiwar.com
President Aoun and UN Chief both urge Israel to withdraw by deadline
It is now just one week from the end of the 60-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon. Under the terms of that deal, Israel must fully withdraw its troops from southern Lebanon by January 26.
Israel has completely withdrawn from just two towns in the first 53 days of the ceasefire. With at least 60 towns and villages still to go, it is unlikely Tel Aviv will meet the deadline, despite US assurances that it “guarantees” Israel will do so.
Most Lebanese seem resigned to this but are none too optimistic. The current focus is on the few areas Israel has already left, which are filled with hundreds of damaged or entirely destroyed buildings. Between this destruction and the extensive infrastructure and agricultural damage, Israel is only withdrawing when there’s little left standing.