Weapons-free zone talks advance as Israel signals Lebanon pullback

The Israeli delegation at talks in Washington has expressed readiness to begin withdrawing troops from several areas in southern Lebanon, while also calling for “practical steps” from the Lebanese military, Al Hadath reports, citing a US diplomatic source.

According to the source, Israeli negotiators specifically demanded that the Lebanese army clear the mountainous Ali al-Taher area near Nabatieh, where, they claim, Hezbollah has established a network of underground tunnels. 

As for the phased withdrawal of Israeli forces, it could begin from the northern bank of the Litani River, including the areas of Nabatieh and Kfar Tebnit, as well as from the western sector of southern Lebanon.

Meanwhile, newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat reported that the Lebanese delegation, led by diplomat Simon Karam, is seeking to discuss a timetable for the withdrawal of Israeli troops from southern Lebanon during the Washington talks. In return, Lebanon would commit to turning the territory south of the Litani River into “a secure zone free of weapons.”

By Jeyhun Aghazada