Arab League calls for ‘full’ Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon

AMMAN — The Arab League on Sunday called for a complete Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon on the agreed-upon date.

The pan-Arab organisation criticized Israel's "procrastination" in implementing the withdrawal under a ceasefire agreement, which Israel had agreed to extend until February 18, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit warned that any delay would intentionally escalate tensions, calling on the international guarantors of the ceasefire to apply enough pressure on Israel to uphold its commitment.

Aboul Gheit reiterated the Arab League's unwavering support for Lebanon's stance, which rejects any Israeli presence beyond the completion of the agreed withdrawal or any further postponements based on "unacceptable pretexts."