Stretching the clock
White House announces ceasefire extension in Lebanon
Truce now extended to February 18, with talks on prisoner returns set to begin.
The ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon has been extended to February 18, 2025, the White House announced on Sunday.
"The arrangement between Lebanon and Israel, monitored by the United States, will continue to be in effect until February 18, 2025," the statement read.
The statement also revealed that Israel, Lebanon, and the United States would soon begin negotiations regarding the return of Lebanese prisoners captured during the conflict following October 7, 2023. Lebanese caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati confirmed that Lebanon would comply with the agreement until the new deadline.
Earlier on Sunday, the IDF reported firing warning shots at several individuals in southern Lebanon, some approaching in a vehicle displaying Hezbollah flags. According to the Lebanese Health Ministry, 22 people were killed in the incident.
The United States had pushed for the ceasefire extension, emphasizing the need for continued stability. On Friday, a security source told The Jerusalem Post that Israel's security cabinet approved the retention of IDF troops in parts of southern Lebanon beyond the initial 60-day withdrawal timeline specified in the November 27 ceasefire agreement.
Jerusalem Post contributed to this article.