25/06/2026
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25/06/2026
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WASHINGTON / BEIRUT, Jun 25: A US State Department official said Israel has withdrawn from part of a disputed “buffer zone” in southern Lebanon following its war with Hezbollah, but Israeli and Lebanese officials denied that any such withdrawal had taken place.
The US official said the move was a “concrete step” by Israel and a sign of goodwill toward Lebanon’s government, calling on the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) to move into the area and remove Hezbollah weapons and infrastructure.
“Israel has already taken a concrete step by pulling back from a part of its buffer zone. This is a significant demonstration of good faith toward Lebanon’s legitimate government,” the official said.
The official did not provide details on the size of the area involved or the exact location of the reported pullback.
However, senior officials from both Israel and Lebanon disputed the claim. A senior Lebanese security official said they were unaware of any Israeli withdrawal from the territory, while Israeli officials also denied that forces had pulled back from southern Lebanon.
The reported withdrawal was linked to US-backed talks between Israel and Lebanon aimed at reducing tensions and transferring control of areas occupied during fighting with Hezbollah back to the Lebanese military.
The proposed arrangement includes a possible “pilot zone” where Lebanese forces would assume responsibility for security, with the broader goal of restoring Lebanese sovereignty, allowing displaced residents to return, and rebuilding communities affected by the conflict.
The talks have continued in Washington amid wider regional tensions, including efforts involving Iran and the United States that have increased focus on Lebanon’s role in regional security.
