The United Nations warned on Tuesday that any delay in Israel’s withdrawal from southern Lebanon constitutes a violation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which served as the basis for the ceasefire agreement that took effect on November 27.
The Israeli military has made it clear that it will only withdraw from certain positions in southern Lebanon if there is concrete evidence that Hezbollah militants have also pulled back © TOL
The United Nations warned on Tuesday that any delay in Israel’s withdrawal from southern Lebanon constitutes a violation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which served as the basis for the ceasefire agreement that took effect on November 27.
In a joint statement, the UN envoy to Lebanon and UN peacekeeping forces (UNIFIL) stressed:
“Today marks the deadline for the withdrawal of the Israeli army and the parallel deployment of Lebanese armed forces in positions across southern Lebanon.”
“Another delay in this process is not what we had hoped for, especially as it continues to violate UN Security Council Resolution 1701.”
However, such a statement seems almost laughable, given that since 2006, the UN has done nothing to prevent Hezbollah from transforming the border region into a heavily fortified military zone.
In this context, Israel is exercising legitimate caution. While the UN criticizes the Israeli withdrawal, it conveniently ignores Hezbollah’s entrenchment in the area, where the Iranian-backed group has stockpiled advanced weaponry and built underground military infrastructure—all in direct violation of the same Resolution 1701.
The Israeli military has made it clear that it will only withdraw from certain positions in southern Lebanon if there is concrete evidence that Hezbollah militants have also pulled back. Without such assurances, Israel risks ceding territory to an armed force that has repeatedly called for its destruction.
While the UN continues to issue empty warnings, the reality on the ground remains unchanged: Hezbollah, not Israel, is the true violator of Resolution 1701—and yet, the international community remains silent.
By Philippe Tanios
The new year began with a scandal. A documentary built on the testimony of twenty-four anonymous Israeli soldiers and intelligence officers won a prize in Venice and set off a fury at home. The chief of staff has ordered a legal hunt for the sources; the culture minister speaks of treason.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Monday that a new documentary film which alleges that mass civilian deaths were routinely built into targeting decisions in Gaza was part of a wave of global incitement against Jews.
Lebanese MP Nadim Gemayel of the Kataeb party said that his party does not oppose Lebanon making peace with neighboring Israel, which still occupies more than 600 square kilometers of Lebanese territory and has razed dozens of border villages in its war against Hezbollah.
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