Israel Could Begin Lebanon Withdrawal Within Days

Lebanon and Israel concluded two days of US-mediated talks in Rome on Wednesday. According to a US official, both sides made progress on implementing a plan that could lead to the start of an Israeli withdrawal from selected parts of southern Lebanon within a few days.

The ambassador-level meeting was the sixth round of face-to-face talks since the outbreak of war between Israel and Hezbollah, which in March sparked a broader regional conflict.

Based on a June framework agreement, the two countries agreed on a plan for a so-called "pilot zone". The plan calls for the disarmament of militant groups, the deployment of the official Lebanese army to the south of the country and the gradual withdrawal of Israeli troops from the occupied territory.

Israel currently occupies a border strip roughly 10 km wide in Lebanon, which it designates as a buffer zone necessary to protect its northern territory. Lebanon demands the immediate withdrawal of troops, while Israel makes its withdrawal conditional on the disarmament of Hezbollah.

Direct talks are continuing, however, despite ongoing Israeli attacks and strong opposition from Hezbollah itself, which rejects disarmament and is counting on pressure from its ally, Iran.

(Reuters, Max)