US envoy: Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon tied to Lebanese army strength
US Ambassador to Israel Mike Hackabee says Israeli forces will remain in Lebanon until the Lebanese army is strong enough to take control.
US Ambassador Mike Hackabee has stated that Israeli forces will maintain a presence in Lebanon until the Lebanese army achieves sufficient strength to assume control. He emphasized that Israel does not desire to remain in Lebanon or claim any of its territory. Hackabee informed Al Arabiya that the Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese land hinges on the Lebanese military reaching a level of capability and effectiveness to fulfill its duties, directly tying any Israeli departure to the Lebanese army's readiness.
It is pertinent to mention that a pact between Lebanon and Israel was ratified on June 26, after five rounds of direct negotiations facilitated by the United States. This accord outlined the disarming of Hezbollah, the gradual Israeli troop withdrawal from occupied zones in southern Lebanon, and the Lebanese army's deployment in pre-determined "pilot zones."
The conflict escalated in Lebanon on March 2 when Hezbollah launched rockets against Israel in response to the assassination of Iranian leader Ali Khamenei. Subsequent Israeli airstrikes resulted in over 4,300 casualties, as reported by the Lebanese authorities at the time.
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Also reported by 1 other outlet
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