- The U.S. has reportedly approved Israel’s indefinite military presence in southern Lebanon, sparking criticism from Lebanon and international observers.
- Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed Israeli forces will remain in a "buffer zone" with surveillance posts, citing security concerns.
- Lebanon opposes the move, calling it an illegal occupation, while Hezbollah rejects Israel’s justifications and Israel rejects France’s proposal to replace Israeli troops.
- Hidden surveillance devices discovered in southern Lebanon have heightened suspicions of Israel’s broader surveillance operations.
- Critics argue the U.S. decision undermines regional stability, especially amid the Gaza conflict and fragile Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire.
In a move that has drawn sharp criticism from Lebanon and raised eyebrows internationally, the United States has reportedly given Israel a "green light" to maintain its military presence in southern Lebanon indefinitely.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed the development, stating that Israeli forces will remain in a "buffer zone" with five surveillance posts on strategic hilltops, regardless of previous ceasefire agreements. The decision comes amid ongoing tensions in the region, including the devastating conflict in Gaza, and has left Lebanon calling for intervention from the U.S. and France.
The U.S. endorsement of Israel’s extended presence marks a significant shift from earlier promises. Under a November 2023 ceasefire brokered by Washington and Paris, Israeli troops were initially granted 60 days to withdraw from southern Lebanon, with a deadline set for January 26. That deadline was later extended to February 18, but Israeli forces have remained in place, citing security concerns. Katz’s recent comments suggest that the U.S. has now tacitly approved Israel’s indefinite occupation, framing it as "situation-dependent, not time-dependent."
Lebanon pushes back against occupation
Lebanon has vehemently opposed Israel’s continued presence, labeling it an illegal occupation. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has repeatedly called for the complete withdrawal of Israeli troops, while Hezbollah, the Iran-backed militant group, has rejected Israel’s justifications for staying. France proposed sending its own troops to replace Israeli forces, but Israel dismissed the idea.
Adding to Lebanon’s concerns, the Lebanese Army has discovered hidden surveillance devices, including cameras and sensors, in southern Lebanon since Israeli troops withdrew from populated areas. These findings have fueled suspicions that Israel’s surveillance operations extend far beyond its visible military presence.
Criticism mounts over U.S. and Israeli actions
The U.S. decision to back Israel’s indefinite stay has drawn criticism from those who argue that it undermines international efforts to de-escalate tensions in the region. Critics point to Israel’s history of swift military interventions and the U.S.’s unwavering support, even as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza deepens. The ongoing conflict in Gaza, which many have labeled a genocide, has further complicated the situation, raising questions about the broader implications of U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East.
Israel’s insistence on maintaining its surveillance posts has also been met with skepticism. While Israeli officials, including Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, have described the hilltop positions as "strategic high points" necessary for security, Katz’s comments suggest a more permanent arrangement. "We are staying indefinitely," Katz declared, signaling that Israel has no immediate plans to leave.
The ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, which ended more than a year of hostilities, remains fragile. While the agreement called for Hezbollah to withdraw north of the Litani River and dismantle its military infrastructure, Israel’s continued presence in southern Lebanon has cast doubt on the long-term viability of the truce. The United Nations has expressed concern over the delay in implementing the ceasefire terms, warning that further violations could destabilize the region.
As Israel digs in and Lebanon pushes back, the U.S. finds itself at the center of a growing diplomatic storm. By endorsing Israel’s indefinite military presence, Washington risks alienating key allies and exacerbating tensions in an already volatile region. For now, the hilltop surveillance posts stand as a reminder of the unresolved conflicts that continue to plague the Middle East.
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