Israel does not plan to withdraw its troops from Lebanon even despite possible demands from the United States. This was stated by the country's Defense Minister Israel Katz, emphasizing that Jerusalem's position on this issue remains unchanged amid ongoing negotiations with Lebanon. CNN reports, writes UNN.
We have made it clear that under no circumstances will we withdraw, and as of now - and this is a diplomatic achievement - there is no American demand for Israel to withdraw troops from Lebanon
Katz noted that he conveyed Israel's position to his American counterpart, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu communicated it to U.S. President Donald Trump.
Katz's statements came on the second day of negotiations between Israel and Lebanon under the auspices of the Trump administration.
Katz had previously stated that Israel would not withdraw its forces from southern Lebanon, but his latest comments clearly underscore this position, even in the event of a demand from the United States.
The publication reported that Israel is considering "symbolic" troop withdrawals from occupied territories in southern Lebanon as a "gesture" to the Lebanese government within the framework of negotiations.