Israeli Channel 13 revealed today, Thursday, that the Israeli government has asked the United States to postpone the date of the Israeli army’s withdrawal from southern Lebanon for an additional month, a few days before the scheduled date of withdrawal on January 26.

This request came against the backdrop of escalating tensions in the region, as southern Lebanon has witnessed a wave of Israeli violence in recent days, represented by the bombing of villages such as Aita al-Shaab and Houla.

The channel quoted Israeli army officials as saying that most of the field operations are "nearing completion" and that they are awaiting the decision of the political level.

In turn, the Israeli Broadcasting Authority confirmed that the Security Cabinet will hold a meeting this evening to discuss the issue of keeping part of the Israeli forces in southern Lebanon after the end of the 60-day period stipulated in the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah.

The Broadcasting Authority said that Israel had asked Washington to postpone the withdrawal for an additional 30 days "to complete security activities," despite intense American pressure in recent weeks to implement the withdrawal on schedule.

The report also noted that senior Israeli security officials claim that “time is not sacred,” and even criticize the pace of the Lebanese army’s deployment south of the Litani River.

US position

It is not yet clear whether the United States will agree to Israel's extension request. There has been no official comment from Lebanon on the matter so far.

In this regard, Israel's ambassador to the United States, Michael Herzog, said during an interview with Israeli Army Radio that Tel Aviv and Washington are holding talks on the withdrawal, expressing his belief that Israel "will reach an understanding" with the administration of President Donald Trump.

For his part, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar confirmed in a statement that Israel is committed to implementing the ceasefire agreement, but "will not compromise on its security."

Sa'ar said he met with the UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, and discussed with her Israel's commitment to the agreement.

This development comes in the wake of the fragile ceasefire agreement reached on November 27, 2024. Under the agreement, the Israeli army must withdraw from southern Lebanon, so that the Lebanese army becomes the only entity allowed to deploy and carry weapons in the south.