Israel, Lebanon deadlock over south withdrawal in Washington talks

The US State Department announced Friday that the fifth round of Lebanon-Israel negotiations in Washington had been extended by one day after media reports said talks failed to bridge a deepening rift over the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon. Israel's public broadcaster KAN reported that the main dispute centres on the "Yellow Line" — an imaginary line extending roughly 8 kilometres inside Lebanese territory from the border. Israel refuses to withdraw from areas within the Yellow Line and insists on maintaining its presence at Beaufort Castle.

Pilot plan and troop movements

The Jerusalem Post reported that Washington has proposed a "pilot plan" under which the Lebanese army would gradually take control of vacated areas and dismantle Hezbollah infrastructure. The US and Lebanon support launching the plan in areas currently held by Israeli forces, while Israel wants to first test it in areas where its troops are not deployed. Prime Minister Netanyahu said Israel "will remain there," and Defence Minister Katz said the army will not withdraw from the "security zone" even if the US demands it. Israeli Army Radio reported that several combat brigades had withdrawn from southern Lebanon for training and redeployment.

Humanitarian toll

Israel continues to occupy areas in southern Lebanon, some held for decades and others seized during the 2023-2024 war. Since launching its offensive on March 2, Israel’s military campaign has displaced more than one million people. Lebanese officials reported that the death toll has risen to 4,230, with 12,179 injured. Israeli attacks have declined since Sunday amid reports of US pressure to support ongoing Iran-US negotiations.