The IDF says potential withdrawal from southern Lebanon is still under discussion in direct Israel-Lebanon talks expected to reconvene next week. For now, the military will hold its positions in accordance with operational needs and has called on the Lebanese army to coordinate activity and stay clear of the security zone.
The IDF confirmed Thursday afternoon that the question of an Israeli withdrawal from areas of southern Lebanon remains under active negotiation in direct Israel-Lebanon talks, and that the teams are expected to convene again next week. For now, the military will maintain its positions "in accordance with operational needs" and called on the Lebanese army to coordinate its movements with the IDF and not to approach the security zone.
The statement comes after The Zioneer reported Wednesday at 18:15 that Israel-Lebanon negotiations are set for next Tuesday through Thursday, and that the agenda, per the Lebanese channel LBCI, is to include IDF withdrawal, Lebanese army redeployment, and the return of displaced residents. By Wednesday evening, the IDF confirmed that the withdrawal issue would be discussed in Washington. The Zioneer also reported Thursday at 12:41 that a senior Israeli official told Reuters that Israel is "negotiating tenaciously" with the US to keep forces in southern Lebanon, and at 13:12 that military analyst Doron Kadosh assessed the IDF retains freedom of action in captured areas with no withdrawal so far. The current IDF statement reiterates that position while talks continue.
As The Zioneer has reported across the thread, Iran has stated it will not accept Israeli forces remaining in southern Lebanon (Jun 11), while Israeli officials have insisted the emerging understandings with Iran will not require a withdrawal (Jun 15). The IDF has maintained operational tempo in the area throughout the period, with strikes on Hezbollah infrastructure continuing even as diplomatic channels remain open.
What remains open: the timeline for a decision on withdrawal has not been set, and it is unclear whether a ceasefire will be declared before next week's talks convene, as LBCI reported was assumed.
4 developments
- StrongIDF issues updated southern Lebanon security-zone map, calls on Lebanese army to steer clear
- DevelopingIDF maintains operations in southern Lebanon, military says
- StrongIsrael 'negotiating tenaciously' with US to keep forces in southern Lebanon, official says
- DevelopingMilitary analyst: IDF retains freedom of action in southern Lebanon, no withdrawal from occupied areas
Source and signal
- Internal intake