Tel Aviv -UNS : Israel has declared that it will not withdraw its forces from southern Lebanon as long as what it describes as the “Hezbollah threat” persists, insisting that the disarmament of the Iranian-backed group is a prerequisite for any Israeli military pullback.
According to Hebrew media reports, the Israeli government stated that the deployment of the Lebanese Army across southern Lebanon must precede any Israeli withdrawal. Officials said ongoing discussions with Lebanon are focused on the potential redeployment of Israeli forces in the region.
The statement came after a US State Department official claimed that Israel had carried out a partial withdrawal within the buffer zone in southern Lebanon as a “goodwill gesture” toward the Lebanese government, according to Reuters. The US official also urged the Lebanese Army to deploy in the area.
However, Israel quickly denied the report. The Israeli public broadcaster quoted a security official as saying that Israeli forces have neither withdrawn from southern Lebanon nor made any decision regarding such a move.
Lebanese media, citing military sources, also confirmed that Israeli troops remain stationed in territories they recently occupied.
Meanwhile, informed American military and political sources have reportedly indicated that Israel has expanded the so-called “yellow line” to encompass approximately 86 villages in southern Lebanon, a development that could further complicate efforts to reduce tensions along the border.
The latest statements underscore the continuing volatility on the Israeli-Lebanese frontier, where international mediation efforts remain focused on preventing a wider regional escalation.
