Israel links troop withdrawal from southern Lebanon to strengthening of army — Asharq Al-Awsat
Israeli troops will remain in southern Lebanon until the Lebanese army becomes strong enough to ensure security, US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee said. Asharq Al-Awsat reports.
Israeli officials have not named specific deadlines for withdrawing troops from southern Lebanon in recent months. They have linked it to security and political conditions, including protecting residents of northern Israel from Hezbollah attacks, maintaining the so-called security zone, and disarming the group.
Israel's conditions
On June 21, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said that the Israeli military would continue operating in southern Lebanon, while units in the security zone would not withdraw and would have freedom of action to eliminate threats. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar, meanwhile, said that the country had no territorial claims against Lebanon, but would not withdraw troops from the security zone because of the threat of Hezbollah attacks.
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On June 24, Katz said that the Israeli military would not leave the security zone even at the request of the United States. The next day, he said Israeli forces could remain in security zones in Lebanon, Syria, and the Gaza Strip without any time limit. At the end of June, the minister also said that Israel would not retreat “a millimeter” until Hezbollah was disarmed.
Situation in southern Lebanon
Retired Lebanese army Major General Abdel Rahman Shehaitli told the outlet that linking the withdrawal of Israeli troops to strengthening the Lebanese army was unfounded. In his view, it is the withdrawal of Israeli forces that would enable the Lebanese state and its army to fully carry out their duties.
On Saturday, Israeli aircraft struck the Old Square area in Nabatieh al-Fawqa, as well as Mansouri, Kfar Tebnit, and Wadi al-Salouki, the outlet reported. Artillery shelled the outskirts of Haddatha, Haris, and Mayfadoun. The Israeli military said that two of its soldiers were wounded by the explosion of a device in the security zone and accused Hezbollah of planting it.
