The Israeli government says its military will not withdraw from Lebanon by Sunday’s deadline, in violation of a deadline set in a ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah.

Attacks come on the day Israeli troops were supposed to withdraw from southern Lebanon and allow people to return home.

Shortly after the ceasefire agreement, Lebanon’s parliament overcame a stalemate that had left the presidency vacant for over two years. That cleared the way for the naming of a permanent prime minister, prominent jurist and diplomat Nawaf Salam ...

FILE PHOTO: Lebanese Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam speaks at the presidential palace on the day he meets with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, in Baabda, Lebanon January 14, 2025. REUTERS/Mohamed Azakir/File Photo

The French president made the announcement as he visited Beirut in a show of support for Lebanon's new leaders.

The speaker’s remarks echoed the sentiments expressed by Imam Sayyed Ali Khamenei, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, after the martyrdom of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar in combat with Zionist forces in October 2024. Khamenei affirmed that Hamas, the symbol of Palestinian resistance, remains alive and will continue to thrive.

Salam underlined the coordination with President Aoun pertaining to the cabinet formation, warning against rumors being circulated in this regard. Salam provided President Aoun with a government lineup with some missing names, according to media reports.