[94100] Withdrawal Storm from Southern Lebanon: Israel Denies Reports of Gestures in Negotiations

Tension Surrounding Diplomatic Negotiations in Lebanon

Over the past 24 hours, conflicting reports have been concentrated regarding the future of the IDF's presence in southern Lebanon. 301 World News, which reports with a critical line toward Israel, claims that Lebanon received notice from the US regarding an Israeli intention to carry out "limited withdrawals" as a "gesture of goodwill" ahead of talks in Washington. These reports also received wide resonance in the reports of Daphna Liel, who noted that the issue is causing concern among political officials.

Conversely, a senior Israeli official clarified to i24NEWS that "there are no gestures and no withdrawals". Similar remarks were made by Defense Minister Israel Katz, who emphasized that "Israel has no intention of withdrawing from the Beaufort", a position also reinforced in another report by Daphna Liel that emphasizes the security zone as a red line for Netanyahu.

In the internal political arena, sharp opposition was recorded from ministers in the coalition. Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir called on Galey Tzahal to halt negotiations with the Lebanese government, arguing that it is a body that includes Hezbollah representatives. Minister Ofir Sofer also emphasized that "we must create a security space and maintain an IDF presence" in southern Lebanon, and that this cannot be relinquished.

Meanwhile, the Chief of Staff toured the Beaufort and Ali al-Taher areas, defining the territory as an "underground fortress that Hezbollah built over 20 years". He warned that the ceasefire is fragile and that the IDF must be prepared to resume fighting. On the other hand, Iranian sources, as published in Political Arena, threaten that "if Israel does not withdraw from Lebanon - the negotiations will be stopped".