Israel May Withdraw Troops from Southern Lebanon If Hezbollah Disarmed

Hebrew reports have outlined the conditions under which Israel might instruct its military leadership to withdraw Israeli Defense Forces currently operating in southern Lebanon.

According to a report by the Hebrew-language channel "Kan," the Israeli army could retreat if the Lebanese army accomplishes its mission to disarm Hezbollah, a goal that has not yet been achieved under current circumstances.

American sources told the Hebrew channel that Hezbollah's activities aim to undermine ongoing negotiations between Israel and Lebanon in Washington, which seek to reach a ceasefire agreement.

The next round of talks is scheduled for Tuesday, with preparations beginning on Monday. The previous session took place on Friday between military representatives from Israel and Lebanon, according to the channel.

Israel’s Condition for Withdrawal

Israel plans to initially propose that its forces do not withdraw from the areas they have penetrated, but rather move southward incrementally as the Lebanese army’s operations become more effective, thereby reducing the security zone under Israeli control.

The channel noted that Lebanon demands Israel’s withdrawal from territories south of Lebanon. However, an Israeli source confirmed to the channel that such a withdrawal will not occur as long as a threat remains.

This development coincides with reports of a new American initiative led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who has engaged in intensive discussions with the prime ministers of Israel and Lebanon to reinforce the ceasefire in Lebanon.

The Israeli army previously announced the launch of extensive military operations in new areas of southern Lebanon, resulting in deeper ground incursions and Israeli control over the "Al-Shqif" fortress, located atop strategic Lebanese highlands.

An Israeli military spokesperson described the capture of the "Al-Shqif" fortress not merely as a military achievement but as a symbolic blow to Hezbollah’s pride, stating that "Hezbollah’s strongholds are beginning to crumble."

Early Stages of the Operation

The channel detailed that in the initial days of the ground operation north of the Litani River, which led to the capture of the fortress, engineering units focused on constructing bridges and clearing roads through Lebanese forests to facilitate the movement of vehicles and fuel trucks.

Simultaneously, the Israeli Air Force conducted a special parachute drop operation in southern Lebanon, deploying fighters via Hercules transport aircraft.

The report explained that among other supplies, food boxes and water were air-dropped, and unusually, fuel tanks equipped with pumps were also delivered from the air. These pumps enabled fighters to refuel vehicles, particularly tanks and armored personnel carriers.

The channel concluded that these events occurred during the early phase of the current operation, before supply trucks could cross the Litani River, while fighters from the Givati Brigade advanced northward to gain operational control over the area where the 7th Brigade and Golani forces had been working to seize the Bofor mountain range.