Middle East updates: Israel-Lebanon ceasefire extended to Feb. 18

Israel, Lebanon and the U.S. are negotiating the release of Lebanese prisoners.

Last Updated: January 26, 2025, 7:39 PM EST

A ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza went into effect a week ago. Hostages held in the strip and Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails have started to be released under the multi-phased deal.

Meanwhile, the November ceasefire in Lebanon is holding despite ongoing Israeli airstrikes on Hezbollah targets, which Israeli officials say are responses to ceasefire violations by the Iranian-backed militant group. Israeli forces also remain active inside the Syrian border region as victorious rebels there build a transitional government.

Tensions remain high between Israel and Iran after tit-for-tat long-range strikes in recent months and threats of further military action from both sides. The IDF and the Yemeni Houthis also continue to exchange attacks.

Jan 24, 2025, 9:45 AM EST

Israel to stay in southern Lebanon beyond ceasefire deadline

Israeli troops will remain in Lebanon beyond Sunday, when it was required to withdraw as per its November ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah.

"The outline for the ceasefire in Lebanon stipulates that the IDF's phased withdrawal should be implemented within 60 days. The clause was worded this way with the understanding that the withdrawal process may continue beyond 60 days," Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said in a statement Friday.

Lebanese army members gesture as they drive through a damaged site at the Lebanese village of Khiam, near the border with Israel, southern Lebanon, Jan. 23, 2025.
Karamallah Daher/Reuters

"The IDF's withdrawal process is conditional on the Lebanese Army deploying in southern Lebanon and fully and effectively enforcing the agreement, while Hezbollah withdraws beyond the Litani. Since the ceasefire agreement has not yet been fully enforced by the State of Lebanon, the phased withdrawal process will continue, in full coordination with the United States. The State of Israel will not endanger its communities and citizens and will insist on the full implementation of the goal of the fighting in the north -- the safe return of residents to their homes," Netanyahu said.

On Thursday, the Lebanese army said it is ready to deploy to the country's south after the Israeli army withdraws from the region.

Jan 23, 2025, 12:47 PM EST

Jenin will be a 'different place' after Israeli operation, IDF chief says

The Israel Defense Forces are not stopping their operation in Jenin, in the West Bank, with more raids reported overnight Thursday.

"We need to be prepared to continue in the Jenin camp that will bring it to a different place -- we are denying the enemy opportunities to harm our forces," LT. Gen. Herzi Halevi, chief of the general staff, said on Thursday.

Palestinians walk next to heavy machinery and an armored vehicle on a damaged street as they leave Jenin camp during an Israeli raid, in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, Jan. 22, 2025.
Raneen Sawafta/Reuters

Jan 23, 2025, 12:40 PM EST

Israel says there is 'much more work to do' in Lebanon

While the Israeli government said there have been "positive movements" where the Lebanese army and the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon have taken control from Hezbollah forces, there is still work to be done, Israeli government spokesperson David Mencer told ABC News.

"There is much more work to do. Israel has made clear that they wish for this agreement to endure. Israel will certainly enforce this agreement as well as adhering to this agreement. But the movements have not been fast enough," Mencer said.

Jan 23, 2025, 11:34 AM EST

Lebanese army says it's ready to deploy to the south

The Lebanese army said it is ready to deploy to the country's south after the Israeli army withdraws from the region, as stipulated in the ceasefire agreement signed last year.

Civilians should not yet return to areas that Israel is withdrawing from, and should continue to follow the instructions of the military units until deployment ends, the Lebanese army said. Specialized units will still need to clear areas of mines and suspicious objects left by Israeli forces, the Lebanese army said.

Lebanese military units completed their deployment at several points in the town of Kfar Shuba, Hasbaya, in the eastern sector after the withdrawal of the Israeli troops.

The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon also said it is ready to support the Lebanese army after Israel withdraws.

Israel is required by the ceasefire to withdraw by Sunday.

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