American sources tell Lebanese broadcaster MTV that the Lebanese army is refusing to accept the 'pilot zones' formula Israel proposed as a starting point for an IDF withdrawal from southern Lebanon.
American sources told the Lebanese broadcaster MTV on Wednesday evening that the Lebanese army is rejecting Israel's proposed formula for IDF withdrawal from southern Lebanon. According to the report, the dispute centers on the "pilot zones" concept — security zones Israel wants to maintain temporarily during a staged pullout. The Lebanese side categorically refuses to accept this as a basis for negotiations, sources said.
The report comes amid ongoing talks between Israel, the US, and Lebanon over solidifying the ceasefire and completing an Israeli withdrawal. On Wednesday afternoon, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said the talks in Washington were continuing separately from the US-Iran track, but that the definition of pilot security zones was still under discussion and awaited Israeli approval. The latest refusal by the Lebanese army represents a hardening of the Lebanese position, at least on the security-zone formula.
No reaction from the IDF or the Israeli defense establishment has been reported yet. The reported deadlock may delay the timeline for a full Israeli withdrawal, which was expected to proceed in stages.
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- DevelopingIsraeli officials dismiss reports of IDF withdrawal from points in Lebanon
- DevelopingUS sources tell Lebanese network: Lebanon not part of Iran deal; no condition for IDF withdrawal
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