Lebanese president doubts Israel will meet withdrawal deadline

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has raised concerns that Israel may not fully withdraw its forces from southern Lebanon by the agreed deadline on Tuesday.

“We are afraid that a complete withdrawal will not be achieved tomorrow,” Aoun said, stressing that “the important thing is to achieve the Israeli withdrawal, and Hezbollah’s weapons come as part of solutions the Lebanese agree on.”

The truce, which took effect in late November, paused Israel’s ground assault and cross-border attacks with Hezbollah that had lasted for over two months, forcing tens of thousands of people in both countries from their homes. However, doubts remain over whether Israel will honour its commitments under the agreement.