Israel refuses Lebanon withdrawal, US‑mediated talks continue

Israeli Defence Minister Yisrael Katz announced that Israel will not pull its forces from southern Lebanon, even if the United States formally requested a withdrawal. Katz said the army will maintain its bases and control points in the occupied areas and that displaced Lebanese civilians will not be allowed to return.

In Washington, a three‑day US‑brokered negotiation on the Israel‑Lebanon frontier entered its fourth day. The talks focus on a phased Israeli pull‑out from designated “pilot” zones and the deployment of Lebanese army units. Disagreements remain over the size of the withdrawal area, timing and security guarantees. U.S. officials stress that any Israeli redeployment must be monitored and approved by the United States.

U.S. diplomat Marco Rubio, traveling in the Gulf, confirmed that discussions between Israel and Lebanon will resume on Friday, underscoring continued American involvement in seeking a resolution to the border tension.