Lebanon's president says Israel must withdraw from south by Jan 26 deadline

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun on Saturday urged Israel to withdraw from southern Lebanon by the January 26 deadline stipulated in the Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire agreement reached last November.

In a meeting with United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Aoun emphasized the importance of Israel adhering to the agreement, which also requires the Lebanese army to deploy in the south alongside UN peacekeepers from the UNIFIL mission.

“Israel’s continued violations on land and in the air, destroying border villages, and blowing up homes contradicts the ceasefire agreement,” Aoun said in a statement released by his office.

The November 27 deal, which ended a two-month war between Israel and Hezbollah, stipulates that Hezbollah must relocate its forces north of the Litani River and dismantle its remaining military infrastructure in the south.

Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem warned Israel against further breaches of the truce, citing “hundreds of violations” by Israeli forces. In a televised address, Qassem called on the Lebanese state to respond firmly.

“We have been patient with the violations to give the Lebanese state and international sponsors a chance, but I call on you not to test our patience,” Qassem said.

The ceasefire agreement has reshaped Lebanon’s political landscape. Aoun’s election, ending two years of political deadlock, was bolstered by Hezbollah and its ally Amal, who supported prime minister-designate Nawaf Salam.

After meeting with Aoun, Guterres expressed optimism that Lebanon could open “a new chapter of peace.” He also reiterated the UN's call for Israel to end its military presence in southern Lebanon.

On Friday, French President Emmanuel Macron, echoing Guterres' appeal, called for the accelerated implementation of the ceasefire agreement.