Israel Agrees to Discuss Territory Handover With Lebanon But Rules Out Full Withdrawal

Israel and Lebanon are discussing a US-backed proposal that would see Israeli forces pull back from parts of southern Lebanon and hand control to the Lebanese army, officials on both sides confirmed during ongoing talks in Washington.

The proposed pilot scheme is part of the latest round of Israeli-Lebanese negotiations, which are continuing even as Iran has pushed Lebanon to the center of its own separate talks with the United States.

What the Plan Actually Involves

Under the proposal, Lebanese army troops would go through US training and vetting to confirm they have no links to Hezbollah. Israel would keep a military presence in a buffer zone along the border. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun confirmed discussions on the pilot areas are ongoing and waiting for Israeli approval.

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz made clear on Wednesday that Israel will not fully withdraw from southern Lebanon, even if the US asks. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said Israeli forces will stay as long as necessary.

Hezbollah Is Pushing Back

Hezbollah has rejected the Washington talks entirely and has been pressuring the Lebanese government to pull out of negotiations. A ceasefire has largely held since Sunday but Israeli forces remain deep inside southern Lebanon.

Iran’s interim deal with the US also calls for Israeli troop withdrawal and includes a joint de-confliction cell to monitor the ceasefire but the details of how that will work are still being worked out.