Ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon extended until Feb. 18

The White House has announced the extension of the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon.

“The agreement between Lebanon and Israel, which is overseen by the United States, will remain in effect until Feb. 18, 2025,” the White House stated.

As noted, the authorities of Lebanon, Israel, and the U.S. intend to begin negotiations regarding the return of Lebanese individuals taken hostage in the wake of the events of Oct. 7, 2023.

According to the Lebanese Al Mayadeen TV channel, the office of Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati has confirmed that the agreement will remain in force until Feb. 18.

In November 2024, Israeli military forces and the Lebanese Hezbollah movement halted military operations by signing a ceasefire agreement, under which the Israeli army would gradually withdraw from Lebanese territory and hand over its positions in the south to Lebanese forces by Jan. 26.

However, Israeli officials have stated that this process will take longer than initially expected. They explained that, in their view, Lebanon has not yet fulfilled all its obligations under the agreement, and therefore, the withdrawal of troops from Lebanese territory has not been completed on time.