Israeli officials deny reports that Israel has agreed to withdraw from specific positions in southern Lebanon, and say there is no American pressure for a pullout, according to the officials. The denial signals continuing opposition to a withdrawal.
Israeli officials have rejected reports that Israel agreed to withdraw from certain positions in southern Lebanon, and stated that there is no American pressure for such a pullout, according to the officials.
This denial comes amid weeks of reports and speculation about a possible limited Israeli withdrawal as part of understandings between the US and Iran. As The Zioneer reported earlier Monday morning (07:30 Jerusalem), a senior Lebanese source claimed Washington informed Beirut of a planned limited Israeli pullout before negotiations scheduled for Tuesday. Sunday saw a report that the US is applying heavy pressure on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to order a withdrawal from Lebanon.
Earlier this month, a senior US official stated the US would not demand an Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon until a final agreement is signed with Iran and Lebanon — a timeline of at least 60 days. Israeli sources have consistently maintained that the emerging understandings with Iran will not require an Israeli withdrawal, separating nuclear-track diplomacy from the northern military campaign.
The denial by the sources suggests that Israeli policy has not shifted, despite the persistent reports of American mediation and pressure. No details on the specific positions mentioned in the reports have been disclosed.
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