A senior official from the US Department of State has alleged that Israel has withdrawn from a portion of the buffer zone in southern Lebanon. According to the Operative Information Center-OMM, the US official, speaking to Reuters, characterized this purported move as a gesture of goodwill toward the legitimate government of Lebanon.
The US side reportedly believes that this step by Israel would create more favorable conditions for the Lebanese Armed Forces to dismantle terrorist infrastructure and weapons in the region. Washington has suggested that this model could contribute to the safe return of displaced families to their homes and the restoration of Lebanon's full sovereignty.
However, these claims have been explicitly denied by both Israeli and Lebanese authorities. A high-ranking representative from the Israeli Ministry of Defense emphasized that there has been no change in the country's policy, stating clearly that the Israeli military will not withdraw from the buffer zone in southern Lebanon.
Similarly, a high-ranking official from the Lebanese military refuted the claims, noting that the situation on the ground contradicts reports of a withdrawal. The military official indicated that Israeli forces continue to maintain strict control and security measures, including actions against individuals and units approaching the buffer zone.
The ongoing tensions in the region remain a focal point of international diplomacy, particularly as the US continues to mediate efforts aimed at stabilizing the border area between Israel and Lebanon. The buffer zone has been a critical area of military operations, with both nations maintaining distinct strategic objectives regarding security and territorial control.
