As a result of negotiations, France proposed to redeploy military personnel from the UNIFIL peacekeeping forces in Lebanon, including French troops, to positions that until now remain under the occupation of the Israeli army in the south of the country. This will help ensure a "complete and final withdrawal" of the Israeli forces. In turn, Israel stated its intention to leave its troops at five positions in southern Lebanon after February 18, which is expected to become the date of final withdrawal.
"The ceasefire is extended until February 18, which is the anticipated date of the final Israeli withdrawal," said the French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian at a press conference in Paris. At the same time, the Lebanese political bloc "Futur" announced its intention to participate in the upcoming elections in light of the 20th anniversary of the assassination of its leader Rafik Hariri.
"An important factor for us remains the hope for full compliance with the provisions of Resolution 1701, which includes in itself a complete Israeli withdrawal," emphasized the representative of "Furuta."
