Israeli Army Not Withdrawing from Southern Lebanon for Now

The Israeli army announced on Tuesday that it will not withdraw its troops from southern Lebanon at this time, despite ongoing negotiations.

Forces are currently deployed approximately 10 kilometers inside Lebanese territory within what Israel designates as a "Security Zone." The army stated that these deployments are for operational necessities, aimed at removing threats and strengthening the defense of northern Israel's residents.

An updated map shared by the Israeli military shows that troops have advanced deeper into Lebanon since the initial establishment of the front defense line in April, reaching the outskirts of the city of Nabatiyeh.

Direct negotiations between Israel and Lebanon concerning a potential Israeli military withdrawal are continuing, with both sides expected to meet again next week. Iran, involved in separate talks with the U.S., insists that any cessation of conflict must include Israeli actions against Hezbollah in Lebanon. Israel maintains its right to self-defense against cross-border attacks from Hezbollah and states it is not participating in U.S.-Iran negotiations.

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Israeli forces are deployed in the Security Zone, about 10 kilometers inside Lebanese territory, due to operational needs. Israeli soldiers will continue to remove threats and strengthen the defense of northern Israel's residents.