US proposes phased Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon tied to army control

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has outlined a phased approach for Israel's withdrawal from Lebanon, linking it to the Lebanese army's ability to assert control over its territory. Speaking to reporters in Kuwait City, Blinken emphasized that Israel's military presence in Lebanon is a direct response to Hezbollah's rocket and drone attacks. "The only reason Israel is in Lebanon is because Hezbollah is firing rockets and drones at Israel from there," Blinken stated.

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The only reason Israel is in Lebanon is because Hezbollah is firing rockets and drones at Israel from there.

He proposed that as the Lebanese army and government increasingly control and secure more of their sovereign territory, Israel's troop presence would diminish. "The more territory the Lebanese army can secure, the less territory Hezbollah controls, and the less Israel will have to be in Lebanon," Blinken explained, highlighting this as a "core" element of current U.S.-mediated negotiations between Israel and Lebanon. The U.S. is facilitating talks aimed at de-escalating tensions along the border.

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The more territory the Lebanese army can secure, the less territory Hezbollah controls, and the less Israel will have to be in Lebanon.

Discussions reportedly include a plan for a 'pilot zone' where the Lebanese army would gradually take over security responsibilities from Israeli forces. Blinken acknowledged this would be a gradual process requiring the strengthening of the Lebanese army's capabilities. Israel has maintained that it cannot withdraw from southern Lebanon while Hezbollah poses a threat, making the situation a persistent point of contention. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has previously stated that Israel would not withdraw from southern Lebanon, even under U.S. pressure.

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It is not something that will happen overnight, and it requires building up the capacity of the Lebanese army.

Blinken also addressed other regional issues, urging for the International Atomic Energy Agency's inspectors to return to Iran "as soon as possible" and reiterating the U.S. stance against any fees for passage through the Strait of Hormuz. He assured Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) members that the U.S. would not compromise their security in future negotiations with Iran, particularly concerning Iran's ballistic missile and drone capabilities. Blinken is scheduled to meet with GCC members in Bahrain to discuss these matters.

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We will not do anything that compromises the security of our long-standing allies in the region.