Ceasefire agreements are often fragile, with shifting security concerns determining whether they hold or collapse.
In the case of Israel and Hezbollah, a temporary truce has done little to ease tensions, and a missed withdrawal deadline is now fueling further uncertainty.
Israeli Troops Remain in Lebanon
Israel has failed to meet the February 18 deadline for withdrawing its forces from five military outposts in southern Lebanon.
According to Digi24, Israeli military spokesperson Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani stated that troops will remain in these positions "to continue defending our residents and ensuring there is no immediate threat."
The ceasefire, which ended a yearlong conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in November 2024, was mediated in part by the United States.
While Israel had already extended its initial January withdrawal deadline, the latest delay is drawing sharp criticism from Hezbollah, which accuses Israel of violating the agreement.
Ongoing Security Concerns
Tensions between Israel and Hezbollah escalated after the October 2023 Hamas-led attack on Israel, which prompted Hezbollah to launch strikes in support of Palestinian militants.
Since then, 60,000 Israeli civilians have been displaced from northern Israel due to continued cross-border attacks, with few returning to their homes.
Meanwhile, Israel's military operations in Lebanon have forced over a million Lebanese civilians to flee their homes.
Risk of Renewed Conflict
With Israeli forces still positioned in southern Lebanon, the possibility of renewed hostilities remains high.
While Israel cites security concerns as justification for its continued presence, Hezbollah has made it clear that any further delays could trigger retaliation—raising fears that the fragile ceasefire could unravel.
