Israel has requested the U.S. for a 30-day extension to the IDF's deadline for withdrawing from southern Lebanon set in the cease-fire agreement, a source familiar with the matter told Haaretz.
According to a French diplomatic source, the U.S., France, Lebanon, and Israel are engaged in intensive discussions on the issue. The source added that France will accept any outcome agreed upon by the parties, including Lebanon and Israel, that guarantees the cease-fire continues.
Israel's ambassador to the U.S., Michael Herzog, confirmed that Israel is holding discussions with the Trump administration to extend the IDF's presence beyond the deadline set for Sunday.
According to him, the administration understands Israel's security needs and speculated that agreement can be reached on the matter.
"The agreement included a 60-day target for completing the IDF's withdrawal from southern Lebanon and for the Lebanese Army to take its place, but it isn't set in stone and was phrased with some flexibility," Herzog said to Israel's Army Radio.
"We are in discussions with the Trump administration to extend the time needed to enable the Lebanese Army to truly deploy and fulfill its role under the agreement. These discussions are ongoing," he said.
A Lebanese army soldier inspects the wreckage of a car that was targeted in Israeli strike, in March, 2024.Credit: AFP
Israel assessed about two months ago, shortly before signing the agreement with Lebanon, that the target date set for completing the withdrawal was too ambitious.
About a month ago, the IDF began preparing for the possibility that its forces would remain in southern Lebanon even after the 60-day period stipulated in the agreement.
The military estimated that the full Israeli withdrawal target would be delayed until the Lebanese army could fulfill its commitments under the agreement and achieve full control over southern Lebanon.
In a scenario where the Lebanese army fails to meet the goal on time, the military said, the IDF would need to remain in the area until preparations are completed.
The cease-fire came into effect on November 27, 2024. The agreement determined that IDF forces would gradually withdraw from Lebanon over the 60 days following its implementation, during which the Lebanese army would deploy forces along the country's borders. It was also agreed that the U.S., Israel, and Lebanon would establish a joint oversight committee, to which Israel and Lebanon could report violations.