Israeli troops stay in Lebanon after withdrawal deadline passes

Israeli troops remain in five locations in Lebanon after a withdrawal deadline expired on February 18. They have left southern villages but are still positioned at strategic points along the border, according to a Lebanese security source. The original deadline for withdrawal was in late January but was extended due to accusations of ceasefire violations from both Israel and Lebanon. The ceasefire deal, brokered by the US and France, aimed to end 14 months of conflict. Lebanese forces and the UN Interim Force have begun deploying to areas previously held by Israeli troops. The situation remains tense, with reports of casualties since the ceasefire began.