Israeli forces are unlikely to withdraw from five military positions in southern Lebanon any time soon, despite calls from Lebanon for a full pullout, Lebanese, French and US sources have told The National, citing “strategic reasons” as the rationale behind Israel’s continued presence, SİA informs via The National.
The Israeli military has maintained its positions since a ceasefire took effect in late November between Israel and the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah, following more than a year of hostilities, including two months of intense conflict during which Israel deployed ground troops. Israel was scheduled to withdraw from southern Lebanon by February 18.
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said last week that his country's forces would remain “indefinitely” in what he described as a “buffer zone”.
“There is a buffer zone. It wasn't easy, but I stood my ground, and we received a green light from the United States. We provided them with a map, and we are staying indefinitely. This is a situation-dependent decision, not a time-dependent one,” said Katz, according to a statement issued by his office.
A senior Lebanese military source told The National that the US was initially opposed to Israel’s presence in Lebanon. “This appears to have changed now; the Israelis managed to convince the Americans that they need to stay in these five locations,” said the source.
The five strategically important points are located along the length of the shared border, with hilltops overlooking vital areas providing surveillance and defense capabilities. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and the country's other leaders have declared any Israeli presence on Lebanese soil an "occupation".
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