Israel has declared that its military forces will remain in southern Lebanon until Hezbollah is fully disarmed, underscoring the country’s security concerns as diplomatic talks between the two nations continue under United States mediation.
The position was announced on Thursday amid ongoing negotiations in Washington aimed at reducing tensions and finding a lasting solution to the conflict along the Israel-Lebanon border, The News Edition reports.
Israel Links Troop Withdrawal to Hezbollah Disarmament
Speaking during a media briefing, Israeli government spokesman, , stated that Israel would not redeploy its troops from southern Lebanon while Hezbollah continues to pose a security threat.
According to Mencer, the withdrawal of Israeli forces is conditional on the complete demilitarisation of southern Lebanon and the disarmament of Hezbollah.
“We will not withdraw our forces from southern Lebanon as long as Hezbollah remains a threat and has not been disarmed,” he said.
The Israeli government maintains that any military redeployment can only occur after concrete measures are taken to eliminate the group’s military presence near the border.
US-Mediated Talks Continue in Washington
The latest round of direct talks between Israeli and Lebanese officials is taking place in Washington under the mediation of the United States.
The negotiations, which began in April, are part of broader efforts to prevent further escalation and improve security along the volatile border region.
The current three-day meeting is expected to conclude on Thursday.
Commenting on the discussions, expressed optimism that both sides were nearing a significant understanding.
Rubio said Israel and Lebanon appeared close to reaching a “commitment of intent” that could help advance diplomatic efforts.
Background to the Conflict
Tensions between Israel and Hezbollah escalated after the Iran-backed Lebanese group became involved in the wider Middle East conflict earlier this year.
In response, Israel launched extensive airstrikes across parts of Lebanon and deployed troops to southern areas of the country.
Israeli officials argue that Hezbollah’s military capabilities and presence near the border continue to pose a direct threat to Israeli communities.
The government has repeatedly insisted that any future security arrangement must guarantee that armed groups cannot operate close to Israeli territory.
Israel Cites Previous Security Concerns
Israeli authorities also pointed to past agreements that called for Hezbollah’s disarmament but were not fully implemented.
According to Mencer, similar commitments had been made in previous years without achieving the desired outcome.
He stressed that Israel would not support any troop withdrawal arrangement unless there are verifiable measures ensuring Hezbollah is disarmed and prevented from rebuilding its military infrastructure in southern Lebanon.
Regional Implications
The outcome of the Washington talks is being closely monitored across the Middle East, as any agreement could significantly influence regional security and stability.
Analysts believe a breakthrough could help reduce cross-border tensions, while a failure to reach consensus may prolong military deployments and heighten the risk of further confrontations.
For now, Israel’s position remains clear: troop withdrawal from southern Lebanon will depend on the successful disarmament and demilitarisation of Hezbollah.