Israel rejects Lebanese demand to withdraw from south Lebanon

Israeli officials rejected Lebanese demands for a withdrawal from southern Lebanon during US-mediated military talks on Friday, insisting they would maintain positions south of the Litani River while seeking access to monitor Hezbollah activities, according to Israel's public broadcaster KAN.

Indirect negotiations

The talks involve military representatives from both sides relaying messages through American mediators rather than engaging in direct discussions. Lebanese delegates requested clarifications regarding Israeli military terminology including "imminent danger" and "response to threats," while Israeli representatives pressed for establishing a direct communication channel between the two armies and cooperation on disarming the Iran-backed group.

Hezbollah facilities

Israeli military officials presented maps purportedly showing Hezbollah drone facilities and weapons storage sites located north of the Litani River, urging the Lebanese army to dismantle these positions. The delegation maintained that any broader ceasefire arrangement must include concrete steps toward the disarmament of Hezbollah, which Lebanon has rejected as a precondition for ending hostilities.

Ceasefire violations

Israel has continued aerial and ground attacks across Lebanon despite a fragile ceasefire that took effect on April 17 and was extended for 45 days beginning May 17 following previous rounds of US mediation. The Lebanese Health Ministry reported that Israeli strikes since March 2 have killed 3,355 people nationwide, with thousands more displaced by the ongoing hostilities.