Israel Delays Withdrawal of Troops from 2 Areas in Southern Lebanon

JAKARTA - Israel has postponed the withdrawal of its troops from two pilot areas in the Lebanese strait, citing that it is still waiting for the establishment of a joint monitoring mechanism with Beirut.

"During the discussion between the Israeli armed forces regarding the plan, which was agreed upon by Lebanon and Israel in the talks last weekend, it was concluded that the implementation schedule would be postponed beyond the initial estimate," according to a report by the Israeli public broadcaster, KAN, citing an unnamed source as reported by ANTARA from Anadolu, Wednesday, July 1.

The two pilot areas in southern Lebanon, which experienced delays in the withdrawal of Israeli forces, are Zawtar and Frun.

The delay was made because Israel and Lebanon were still discussing a joint monitoring mechanism between the two countries' armed forces.

This was done to oversee the implementation of the ceasefire agreement which was regulated in the confidential security annex of the agreement of the two parties.

A source familiar with the discussions said the United States would provide approval for individuals who would be involved in the mechanism to ensure that the Hezbollah group did not gain access to sensitive information exchanged.

"Currently, there is no schedule set," said KAN, quoted from security sources.

On Friday (26/6), Lebanon and Israel signed a framework agreement with the mediation of the United States. The agreement is to facilitate the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanese territory and reduce escalation along the border.

According to data from the Lebanese Ministry of Health, the Israeli military's attacks in Lebanon since March 2 have killed more than 4,240 people, injured more than 12,190 people, and caused more than one million people to flee.