Israel and Lebanon remain divided over southern withdrawal talks

Negotiations between Lebanon and Israel in Washington have failed to produce a breakthrough after both sides remained firmly opposed over the future of southern Lebanon.

Negotiations between Lebanon and Israel in Washington have failed to produce a breakthrough after both sides remained firmly opposed over the future of southern Lebanon. The latest round of talks, which was expected to conclude this week, has been extended by another day as mediators continue efforts to narrow the gap between the two countries on the issue of Israeli troop withdrawal.

According to reports, the main point of disagreement involves an area known by Israel as the Yellow Line, an unofficial security boundary that stretches several kilometres inside Lebanese territory. Israel has refused to pull its forces out of locations within this zone and insists on keeping control of strategic positions including the hilltop around Beaufort Castle. Lebanese officials, however, are demanding a complete Israeli withdrawal from all towns and villages inside the disputed area before any further progress can be made.

Media reports suggest that Israel is willing to consider a limited withdrawal under certain conditions, while Lebanon continues to reject anything short of a full military pullout. Lebanese authorities have called for Israeli forces to leave several occupied communities, arguing that the country’s sovereignty cannot be restored without complete control over its southern territory.

The United States has attempted to break the deadlock by proposing a phased security plan for southern Lebanon. Under the proposal, the Lebanese army would gradually move into areas vacated by Israeli troops while taking responsibility for dismantling Hezbollah military positions. The idea is intended to reduce tensions and strengthen the authority of the Lebanese state in the region.

Despite support from Lebanon and Washington, disagreements remain over how the plan should begin. Lebanon wants the process to start in areas currently occupied by Israeli troops. Israel, on the other hand, prefers testing the arrangement in places where its soldiers are not deployed. Israeli officials argue that such an approach would allow them to assess whether the Lebanese army can effectively prevent Hezbollah from rebuilding its military presence before any larger withdrawal takes place.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has made it clear that his government has no intention of leaving what it considers vital security positions. Defense Minister Israel Katz also said Israeli forces would remain in the security zone even if the United States called for a withdrawal. Israeli leaders maintain that their presence is necessary to protect communities along the northern border from future attacks.

At the same time, reports indicate that the Israeli military has reduced the number of active combat brigades in southern Lebanon as part of a wider effort to improve readiness and conduct military training. Some troops have been redeployed while reserve forces remain prepared to replace them if security conditions worsen. The reduction has coincided with a noticeable slowdown in Israeli air strikes after reports of American pressure to avoid further escalation while negotiations with Iran continue.

Israel still controls several areas in southern Lebanon, including territory occupied during the 2023 and 2024 conflict as well as land held for decades. Lebanese officials say the military campaign has forced more than one million people from their homes. The country’s Health Ministry also reports that more than 4,200 people have been killed and over 12,000 injured since the latest offensive began. As negotiations continue in Washington, both sides remain far apart on one of the most sensitive issues standing in the way of a lasting agreement.