Israel Rules Out Lebanon Withdrawal Amid Ceasefire Talks
By Shalom Ikuvbogie
Israel has said it has received no request from the United States to withdraw its troops from southern Lebanon, even as diplomatic efforts continue to secure a lasting ceasefire between the two neighbouring countries.
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said his government remains committed to maintaining its military presence in southern Lebanon, describing the absence of an American withdrawal demand as a diplomatic success for Israel.
Speaking at a gathering of local leaders in Tel Aviv on Wednesday, Katz said Israel had already made its position clear to Washington, insisting that its forces remain in Lebanon to protect communities in northern Israel from security threats.
His comments came as a new round of US-mediated talks between Israel and Lebanon got underway in Washington, with both sides seeking a political solution to months of conflict along their shared border.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has continued to reject Israel’s presence in southern Lebanon and criticised foreign involvement in Lebanese affairs. His remarks were seen as a reference to Iran, which backs Hezbollah and remains a key player in regional developments.
Iran has also maintained that stability in Lebanon is central to broader efforts aimed at ending the conflict across the Middle East.
Tensions escalated after Hezbollah launched attacks on Israel in support of Iran following the killing of Iran’s supreme leader in joint US-Israeli strikes. Israel responded with extensive air raids and ground operations in Lebanon.
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Lebanese authorities say the conflict has claimed more than 4,100 lives and resulted in Israel establishing a security zone extending about 10 kilometres into southern Lebanon.
Israeli leaders have repeatedly signalled that the security zone will remain under their control. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently stated that Israeli forces retain full freedom to act against any emerging threat from Lebanese territory.
The ongoing negotiations in Washington are focused on finding a diplomatic path forward, including discussions surrounding Hezbollah’s future role and the status of Israeli troops in southern Lebanon.
As talks continue, both sides remain divided on the issue of withdrawal, highlighting the challenges facing efforts to secure a lasting peace along the border.
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