Egypt urges full Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon as troops remain in five locations

CAIRO – 19 February 2025: Egypt has stressed the importance of a complete Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon, highlighting the necessity to respect Lebanese sovereignty.

Egypt’s remarks, delivered by Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, come while the Israeli army has defied the 18 February deadline for their withdrawal from southern Lebanon under a ceasefire deal with Hezbollah, keeping forces in five locations.

Israel sent forces to Lebanon on October 1, 2024, launching a wider war with Hezbollah after clashes between both sides exchanged bombardments since the Israeli war in Gaza erupted in 2023.

The US-backed Israel-Lebanon ceasefire went into effect on 27 November, mandating Israel to withdraw while banning Hezbollah’s military presence in southern Lebanon and instead, the Lebanese army deploys into the border area.

Israel previously delayed its withdrawal set for 26 January under the ceasefire, accusing Lebanon of failing to fulfil its terms.

Israeli army withdrew from most of the Lebanese territory but announced that they will remain in “five strategic points.”

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar justified the Israeli presence by claiming “the presence of Hezbollah activists south of the Litani River,” stating that Israel will no longer need to remain in these points once the terms are fulfilled by the Lebanese side.

The Lebanese presidency said it considers the continued Israeli presence in any part of Lebanese territory after the expiration of the deadlines as “occupation.”

The presidency in a statement warned that they will appeal to the UN Security Council to demand the necessary measures to address the Israeli violations and to obligate Israel to withdraw immediately to the international borders.

The statement emphasized Lebanon's right “to employ all means necessary for the withdrawal of the Israeli enemy,” and declared the army's “full readiness to undertake its responsibilities along the border” with Israel.

اجتمعت الرئاسات الثلاثة اليوم الثلاثاء في #قصر_بعبدا، لمتابعة ملفّ الانسحاب الإسرائيلي من #جنوب_لبنان مع مواصلة احتلال خمسة مواقع حدودية. وقد صدر بيان مشترك عن الاجتماع، يتوجّه في البداية إلى إلى مجلس الأمن الدولي لاتّخاذ الإجراءات اللازمة لضمان الانسحاب الإسرائيلي من الجنوب، قبل… pic.twitter.com/EApKAWZyYo

— Megaphone (@megaphone_news) February 18, 2025

The Egyptian prime minister received a phone call from Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam on Tuesday, addressing the latest developments in southern Lebanon and the ongoing efforts to implement the cessation of hostilities agreement.

Madbouly emphasized Egypt's full support for the Lebanese state and its legitimate right to maintain its unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.

Furthermore, the Egyptian premier stressed Egypt’s support to the Lebanese state institutions, highlighting the importance of a complete Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon.

He urged compliance with the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701 and underscored the necessity to respect Lebanese sovereignty.

The UN peacekeeping mission in south Lebanon, UNIFIL, also released a statement saying that it hoped Israel would withdraw without any more delay.

“Another delay in this process is not what we hoped would happen, not least because it continues a violation of United Nations Security Council resolution 1701 (2006). This should not, however, overshadow the tangible progress that has been made since the Understanding came into force in late November,” said UNIFIL in its statement.

Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon, and Aroldo Lázaro, Head of Mission and Force Commander of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), released a joint statement, expressing hopes for Israeli withdrawal without more delay.

The statement stated that another delay in this process continues a violation of Security Council Resolution 1701.

They emphasized that the new Lebanese president, Joseph Aoun, and government “are determined to extend state authority completely in all areas in the south and consolidate stability to prevent conflict from returning to Lebanon. They deserve unwavering support in this endeavour.”