Media: Israel to stay indefinitely in key Lebanon positions amid strategic concerns

Israeli forces are unlikely to withdraw soon from five key military positions in southern Lebanon, despite Lebanese calls for a full pullout. These positions, which have been maintained since a ceasefire in November following a year of hostilities, are seen as crucial for Israel’s security due to their strategic location.

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz confirmed that the country would remain “indefinitely” in what he referred to as a “buffer zone,” Caliber.Az reports citing foreign media.

He explained, “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.”

A senior Lebanese military source revealed that the US initially opposed Israel’s presence but was later convinced by Israel to keep troops in these five locations, which provide vital surveillance and defence capabilities, especially overlooking southern Syria. The US, along with France and Saudi Arabia, has supported Lebanon’s political shifts, including the election of President Joseph Aoun in January, which weakened Hezbollah’s influence.

US officials laid out two conditions for Israel’s potential pullout: the redeployment of the Lebanese army in the southern Litani sector and the removal of Hezbollah’s infrastructure. The second condition requires Lebanon to strengthen its government and adopt policies to disarm Hezbollah, which is seen as an armed group outside the Lebanese state’s authority.

While France has proposed increasing UN or French forces to expedite Israel’s withdrawal, this has been rejected by Israel, citing security concerns. A US official stated, “In addition to security concerns, there’s a long-term strategic reasoning to keep the Lebanese government in check and, eventually, push Lebanon toward a long-term peace agreement with Israel.”

Furthermore, the US has resumed funding Lebanon’s army under strict conditions, stressing the need for Hezbollah to be removed from the region to ensure continued support.

By Vafa Guliyeva