A U.S. official announced that Israel is expected to withdraw from occupied towns in southern Lebanon by next week, yet uncertainty lingers regarding its presence in five strategic areas along the border. Maj. Gen. Jasper Jeffers, overseeing the cease-fire, suggested confidence in Lebanese military control post-withdrawal deadline. However, Lebanon's government firmly opposes any continued Israeli presence, reiterating demands for complete withdrawal by the Feb. 18 deadline. Concerns remain over prolonged occupation as many Lebanese have been barred from returning home since the cease-fire was extended.
Lebanon's government has repeatedly said that Israel must completely withdraw from the country when the deadline for its pullout elapses on Feb. 18.
The U.S. official expressed confidence that Lebanon's military would control all population centers in the south once the Israeli withdrawal deadline passes.
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