‘Israeli troops must withdraw’

Lebanese soldiers block residents rallying to return to the southern village of Maroun al-Ras, where Israeli forces are stationed after the January 26 ceasefire deadline —AFP

Lebanese Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem said on Monday that the group did not accept any justifications to extend the period for Israeli troops' withdrawal from southern Lebanon. "What comes after the period given for Israel's withdrawal? Israel has to withdraw because the 60 days are over.

We do not accept any justification to extend for one moment or one day," he said in a recorded televised address. Israel said on Friday that its army's withdrawal would last beyond the 60-day period stipulated in the ceasefire agreement, that ended on January 26, with the Lebanese group, saying the terms of the deal had not been fully enforced by the Lebanese state.

The US said on Sunday the agreement between Lebanon and Israel would now remain in effect until February 18,. Qassem said the group was informed that Washington initially proposed to Lebanese officials to extend the deal to February 28, which  Hezbollah rejected. Lebanese caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati said during a meeting with US Ambassador Lisa Johnson that the country accepted adhering to the ceasefire agreement with Israel until February 18.

Mikati said that requires pressure to end the Israeli "aggression and repeated violations" and to secure Israel's complete withdrawal from the occupied territories in the south, in return, his office said in a statement on Monday. "Nobody in Lebanon can accept the extension (of Israeli troops withdrawal) for one moment. Israel must get out," Qassem said.