Israel, Lebanon Reject Reports of Israeli Troop Withdrawal from Southern Lebanon
Jerusalem-Israel and Lebanon on Thursday denied reports that Israeli forces had withdrawn from parts of southern Lebanon, contradicting remarks by a US State Department official who described a supposed pullback as a goodwill gesture toward Lebanon’s government.
The issue emerged amid ongoing US-mediated talks in Washington aimed at reducing tensions along the Israeli-Lebanese border following the war between Israel and Hezbollah. Discussions have centered on a proposed “pilot zone” under which Israeli forces would transfer control of certain occupied Lebanese territories to the Lebanese Armed Forces.
A US official claimed Israel had already withdrawn from part of its self-declared buffer zone in southern Lebanon, calling it a significant demonstration of good faith. The official urged the Lebanese army to move into the area and remove Hezbollah weapons and infrastructure, suggesting the model could eventually be expanded across southern Lebanon.
However, senior Israeli defense officials firmly rejected the claim, stating that there had been no withdrawal and that Israeli forces would remain in the buffer zone. Israel’s military also confirmed that troop positions had not changed.
Lebanese military officials likewise disputed reports of any pullback, saying developments on the ground indicated the opposite. They accused Israel of continuing to enforce strict control over the buffer zone, preventing both civilians and Lebanese military personnel from entering.
According to Lebanese officials, disagreements persist over how the pilot zone proposal should be implemented. Beirut wants the initiative to begin within the Israeli-controlled buffer zone and seeks a clear roadmap for a full Israeli withdrawal. Israel, meanwhile, prefers to negotiate individual areas separately and has not committed to a timetable.
Israel established the buffer zone following its conflict with Hezbollah, arguing that it is necessary to protect northern Israeli communities from future attacks. Lebanese authorities maintain that the continued Israeli military presence violates Lebanese sovereignty and delays the return of displaced residents.
The conflicting statements underscore the challenges facing ongoing diplomatic efforts despite signs of progress in US-sponsored negotiations between the two countries.
