Israel Kills Hamas Commander in Lebanon as Ceasefire Deadline Approaches
Israel’s airstrike on Mohammed Shahine, a senior Hamas commander, has escalated tensions in the region just as the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah nears its deadline. The Israeli military emphasized that Shahine was responsible for orchestrating numerous attacks aimed at Israeli civilians and was a key operative in the militant group’s operations within Lebanon. His elimination marks a significant blow to Hamas’s activities in the area, as the group has increasingly relied on Lebanon as a launch point for attacks against Israel.
The timing of the strike raises concerns about the stability of the fragile ceasefire, which was intended to bring an end to the protracted conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. Lebanese officials have voiced their frustration over Israel’s continued military actions, describing them as violations of the agreed-upon terms. In response, Israel insists that it is only targeting Hezbollah-linked sites, claiming that these locations are critical for Israel's security.
As the deadline approaches, international pressure is mounting for both sides to adhere to the ceasefire terms. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun’s call for the US to step in and ensure Israel’s withdrawal from southern Lebanon is a crucial element of the diplomatic effort to prevent further escalation. The situation remains volatile, with both Hezbollah and Israel on high alert as they navigate the complexities of the ongoing conflict. The coming days will be critical in determining whether the ceasefire can hold or if the region will face renewed violence.
Israel’s Troop Withdrawal from Southern Lebanon Remains Uncertain Ahead of Ceasefire Deadline
In November, a US-brokered ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah allowed Israel a 60-day window to withdraw its forces from southern Lebanon, with a final deadline set for February 18. However, the deadline has been extended due to Israel’s decision to maintain troops at five posts within Lebanese territory. According to the terms of the ceasefire, UN peacekeeping forces were to be deployed alongside the Lebanese army as Israel gradually withdrew its forces. Additionally, Hezbollah agreed to relocate its forces north of the Litani River, around 30 kilometers from the border, and dismantle its military infrastructure in southern Lebanon.
With just one day remaining until the revised deadline, there are no signs that Israel will meet the deadline, as reported by the Associated Press. Hezbollah's deputy leader, Naim Qassem, has placed responsibility for ensuring Israel’s withdrawal on the Lebanese government.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has called on the US, a key backer of the ceasefire deal, to apply pressure on Israel to comply with the deadline. Aoun stated, "We are continuing contacts on several levels to push Israel to respect the agreement and to withdraw on the scheduled date, and return the prisoners." The ongoing situation remains tense, with international attention focused on whether Israel will follow through on its commitment or further complicate the already fragile peace process.
Israel to Keep Troops in Southern Lebanon Past Ceasefire Deadline, Defying Full Withdrawal Agreement
Israel announced on Monday that it would extend its military presence in southern Lebanon beyond the Tuesday deadline set for a complete withdrawal, under the terms of a U.S.-brokered ceasefire deal that ended 14 months of fighting between Israel and Hezbollah. The Israeli military stated that it would maintain troops at “five strategic points” in southern Lebanon while pulling back the rest of its forces.
Israeli military spokesman Nadav Shoshani explained that the troops would remain in these positions temporarily to ensure the protection of Israeli citizens and to prevent any immediate security threats. “This is a temporary measure until the Lebanese Armed Forces are able to fully implement the ceasefire,” Shoshani told reporters.
The ceasefire agreement, which was reached in late November, originally called for a full Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon by January 26. The deadline was then extended to February 18, but Israel’s decision to keep troops in these key locations has raised concerns in Lebanon. Lebanese officials have consistently rejected any further delays in the withdrawal.
Last week, the United States informed Lebanese officials that Israel had requested to remain in the five strategic positions. Hezbollah has insisted that the Lebanese government ensure Israel’s full withdrawal by the agreed deadline, although it did not threaten to resume fighting if the Israeli pullout did not occur.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun met with ambassadors from the United States, France, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and other nations on Monday, urging them to pressure Israel for a full withdrawal. A statement from the president’s office revealed that Aoun emphasized the need for international diplomacy to ensure Israel’s adherence to the ceasefire agreement.
References
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- Berg, R. (2025, February 2). What is the Gaza ceasefire deal and how many hostages and prisoners will be freed? https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cy5klgv5zv0o
- HT News Desk. (2025, February 17). Israel kills Hamas ‘commander’ https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/israel-kills-hamas-commander-on-eve-of-ceasefire-deal-
- Jazeera, A. (2025, February 17). Israel says troops will stay in five locations across southern Lebanon. Al Jazeera. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/2/17/lebanon-wary-israeli-military-will-not-meet-withdrawal-deadline
- Lebanese officials deny reports of ceasefire extension with Israel. (n.d.). https://english.news.cn/20250213/635f169c5f5e4b8cb67edb7cfdeeea3b/c.html
- Lowe, Y. (2025, February 17). Israeli forces to remain in Lebanon after Tuesday withdrawal deadline, says IDF – as it happened. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2025/feb/17/middle-east-crisis-live-israel-gaza-hamas-ceasefire-egypt-saudi-arabia-marco-rubio
- Reuters. (2024, November 27). Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire deal agreed by both sides, says U.S. President Biden. The Hindu. https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/israels-netanyahu-says-he-supports-ceasefire-proposal-with-lebanons-hezbollah/article68916067.ece
- Sewell, A. (2024, October 8). Who is Naim Kassem, the acting leader of Hezbollah? | AP News. AP News. https://apnews.com/article/naim-kassem-hezbollah-hassan-nasrallah-90b79db6df55ff3cb77877a7c65790fd
- {"@type": “Person”,"name": “Maha Yahya”}. (n.d.). Joseph Aoun has been elected President of Lebanon. Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. https://carnegieendowment.org/middle-east/diwan/2025/01/reaction-shot?lang=en
- Zeidan, & Adam. (2025, February 16). Joseph Aoun | Lebanon, President, Army, & Hezbollah and Israel. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Joseph-Aoun