Former U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs David Schenker stated that Israel will withdraw from southern Lebanon once the Lebanese Army deploys in the area, stressing that Lebanon's political leadership must instruct the military to disarm armed groups.

"I am not placing blame on anyone, but Lebanese officials have signed an agreement, and they must adhere to it," Schenker told LBCI. 

Commenting on Lebanon’s newly formed government, Schenker noted that its composition aligns with the criteria set by the U.S. administration, which will monitor the performance of ministers. He underscored the need for reforms and the pursuit of justice in political assassinations, including the 2020 Beirut port explosion. Schenker accused Hezbollah of storing ammonium nitrate at the port and called for continued judicial investigations into the case.

He also highlighted the link between reforms and international aid, warning that Lebanon’s ability to secure financial assistance and investment opportunities depends on government accountability.

"We will not contribute to the reconstruction of Hezbollah-controlled areas if corruption persists," he said.

Meanwhile, the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump has indicated its support for Israel maintaining control over five strategic positions in southern Lebanon beyond the February 18 withdrawal deadline.

“The United States views President Joseph Aoun as having a once-in-a-generation opportunity to lead Lebanon away from the stranglehold of Hezbollah and Iran, and we believe that President Aoun has the mandate to do that,” a Trump administration official told The Times of Israel on condition of anonymity.

“The first test of that is whether the Lebanese Armed Forces actually implements the letter of the ceasefire agreement that Lebanon signed in November 2024 to counter Hezbollah’s efforts to reassert itself,” the official added.

The Trump administration sees Israel’s continued presence in the five positions as a means to ensure the Lebanese government follows through on its commitments.

“Israeli presence in the five points directly bears on whether the government of Lebanon ultimately does what it has promised to do,” the official said.

“Unlike the Biden administration, we will not be grading on a curve,” the official noted, suggesting that former President Joe Biden’s approach had been too lenient in addressing Hezbollah’s influence in Lebanon.