An official from the US State Department has announced that Israel has initiated a withdrawal from certain areas in southern Lebanon, which it had occupied during its conflict with Hezbollah. This development is seen as a constructive step towards easing tensions in the region.
The US has urged Lebanon’s armed forces to assume control of these vacated areas and to dismantle any weapons and military infrastructure associated with armed groups. The move is anticipated to facilitate the return of displaced families, support reconstruction efforts, and reinforce Lebanon’s sovereignty.
This announcement coincides with ongoing US-mediated talks between Israel and Lebanon, aiming to decrease hostilities and enhance security along their shared border. These discussions are part of wider regional efforts addressing the broader tensions involving Israel and Iran.
Despite the announcement, Lebanese security officials reported that they had no knowledge of an Israeli pullback from the designated buffer zone in southern Lebanon. Israel has yet to issue a comment on these claims.
The US official refrained from giving specifics regarding the precise locations or the extent of the territory from which Israeli forces have allegedly retreated.