Israeli Withdrawal Amid Middle East Tensions

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has called for Israel to withdraw from Syrian territory following the fall of Bashar al-Assad, emphasizing the need to respect religious sentiments and warning of potential terrorist reactivations. Concurrently, Israeli and Hezbollah forces are withdrawing from southern Lebanon under a ceasefire agreement facilitated by US envoy Amos Hochstein, with the Lebanese army and UN peacekeepers taking over the region. The withdrawal, which began in the town of Naqoura, is part of a 60-day plan set to conclude by January 26, though some reports suggest Israel may not adhere strictly to this deadline. Despite ongoing Israeli military actions in Lebanon, including air strikes and ground advances, the US envoy expressed confidence in the phased withdrawal process. Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati has rejected any delays in the Israeli pullout, and the UN continues to urge a timely withdrawal. These developments are part of broader regional dynamics involving Iranian, Iraqi, Syrian, and Lebanese interests in the Middle East.