Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has categorically stated that Israel will not withdraw from southern Lebanon as long as he remains in power, despite ongoing peace talks and a new ceasefire with Hezbollah. The declaration came as Defense Minister Israel Kac claimed the United States has not demanded an Israeli pullout, contradicting key Iranian demands for a resolution to the conflict.
Speaking to the Haaretz newspaper on Wednesday, Netanyahu said: – As long as I am prime minister, we will maintain the security zone in southern Lebanon – powiedział Benjamin Netanyahu. He argued the buffer zone is essential to prevent threats to northern Israel.
Earlier, Defense Minister Israel Kac told reporters that the U.S. has not requested the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanese territory. – We announce that under no circumstances will we withdraw, and currently, as a diplomatic success, there is no American demand for Israel to withdraw from Lebanon – powiedział Israel Kac. When asked whether Israel would comply if Washington did issue such a demand, Kac gave an evasive response.
Diplomatic talks and a rejected pilot zone plan
According to Reuters, the fifth round of Israeli-Lebanese negotiations has been underway in Washington since Tuesday. The talks aim to disarm Hezbollah and reach a comprehensive agreement to end hostilities. A proposed „pilot zones” plan would see the Israeli army hand over control of southern Lebanon to Lebanese government forces.
However, the Lebanese president reportedly rejected the proposal, insisting on the full and unconditional withdrawal of Israeli troops as a prerequisite for any deal. The deadlock highlights the deep divisions between the parties, even as a new ceasefire came into effect on Friday.
Ceasefire violations and regional context
Despite the truce, Lebanese media reported renewed Israeli airstrikes near the southern town of Nabatieh, killing two people. The incident underscores the fragility of the ceasefire, which was brokered amid a broader diplomatic push involving the United States and Iran.
Last week, Washington and Tehran signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at achieving a lasting peace in the Middle East after the conflict that began on February 28 with Israeli and U.S. airstrikes. But Netanyahu quickly clarified that the agreement does not cover the Israeli-Lebanese front.
Since the start of the war, over 4,100 people have been killed in Lebanon as a result of Israeli bombardments, while Israeli forces have occupied a security zone along the border. The international community continues to watch closely as the negotiations in Washington struggle to produce tangible results.
Źródło: Polsat News, Fot. Polsat News
