Israel and Lebanon Discuss Partial Israeli Withdrawal

Israel and Lebanon are discussing a US-backed proposal that could lead to a partial withdrawal of Israeli forces from territory occupied during the conflict with Hezbollah.

According to Israeli and Lebanese sources, talks are focused on a pilot project under which the Lebanese army would assume control of some of the affected areas.

Troops deployed in these zones would undergo training and vetting under US supervision to ensure they have no links to the Iranian-backed Hezbollah terrorist group.

The negotiations are taking place in Washington and form part of a broader effort to stabilize southern Lebanon following the recent ceasefire. Israel, however, insists on maintaining a military presence in a buffer zone along the border, while Lebanese officials say the key issue remains the timetable for a possible Israeli withdrawal.

The process is further complicated by Hezbollah's opposition to the proposal. Lebanon has also become a growing focus of discussions between the United States and Iran on regional security issues.

(reuters, mja)