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JERUSALEM, ISRAEL – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu today unveiled a detailed map outlining the framework for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from experimental zones in southern Lebanon. The move is seen as a significant step towards implementing the terms of the Israeli-Hezbollah ceasefire agreement, which was brokered in 2006.
Speaking at a press conference in Jerusalem, Netanyahu emphasized the importance of adhering to the Security Line, a yellow-marked boundary within southern Lebanon, which he stated would serve as a demarcation point between Israel and Lebanon. He also highlighted the distinction between the Security Line and the Experimental Zone, a red-marked area where Israeli forces are currently stationed.
Under the withdrawal plan, Israeli forces will begin pulling out of the Experimental Zones in the villages of Zawtar al-Gharbiya and Frun, marking the first phase of a broader withdrawal from southern Lebanon. The map, which was displayed at the press conference, shows the three defined areas: the International Border with Lebanon (black line), the Security Line (yellow line), and the Experimental Zones (red line).
In a statement, Netanyahu emphasized that the withdrawal would be carried out in accordance with Israel’s security interests and in collaboration with the Lebanese government. He also stressed that Israel would continue to maintain a robust military presence along the Security Line to ensure its security.
The announcement comes amidst ongoing negotiations between Israel and Lebanon over the fate of several disputed territory sites. In a separate statement, an Israeli government spokesperson noted that the withdrawal does not imply a relinquishing of Israeli claims to those territories.
While the withdrawal plan has been widely welcomed by international observers, many remain skeptical about the prospects of a lasting settlement in the region. Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed Lebanese militia, has publicly denounced the withdrawal plan as “ineffective” and a “ruse” to mask Israeli intentions to maintain a strong military presence in the area.
Meanwhile, Lebanese officials have expressed cautious optimism about the development, with Foreign Minister Gebran Bassil stating that his government welcomes the withdrawal and looks forward to continuing negotiations with Israel over the disputed territory sites.
The withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Experimental Zones in Zawtar al-Gharbiya and Frun marks a significant milestone in the implementation of the 2006 ceasefire agreement. However, much remains to be seen about the success of the overall withdrawal plan and the potential for a lasting resolution to the protracted conflict between Israel and Lebanon.