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TEL AVIV, Israel – In a major development in the long-stalled Israeli-Lebanese peace process, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has unveiled a plan to withdraw Israeli troops from southern Lebanon, paving the way for the Lebanese military to assume control of the region. The move, which has been met with a mix of reactions from regional stakeholders, is seen as a crucial step towards stabilizing the border between Israel and Lebanon.
According to the agreement, Israel will withdraw its military presence from southern Lebanon, allowing the Lebanese military to take over and assume responsibility for preventing terrorist attacks against Israel. The zones of withdrawal, as outlined by Netanyahu in a published map, are expected to cover approximately 1,200 square kilometers of Lebanese territory, which has been under Israeli occupation since 1985.
The withdrawal plan is seen as a confidence-building measure aimed at reducing tensions along the Israel-Lebanon border. For years, the two countries have been locked in a bitter dispute over the Shebaa Farms and other areas in southern Lebanon, with Israel citing security concerns and Lebanon insisting on territorial claims.
The map published by Netanyahu reportedly shows several zones of withdrawal, including the areas around the towns of Rashaya and Kfarshouba, as well as several key villages along the border. Lebanese authorities have already begun making preparations to deploy troops to the affected areas, with Beirut vowing to maintain order and prevent any militant groups from operating in the region.
The agreement has sparked debate in Israel, with some politicians expressing concerns about the potential risks of withdrawing from the area. However, Netanyahu’s government has maintained that the move is a necessary step towards achieving lasting peace and stability in the region.
In a statement, Netanyahu emphasized that the withdrawal would not compromise Israel’s security, citing the Lebanese military’s commitment to prevent Hezbollah, a militant group backed by Iran, from operating in the area. “We are taking a historic step towards a more secure and peaceful future for our people,” the Prime Minister said.
Lebanese officials have welcomed the agreement, with officials describing it as a milestone in the country’s efforts to assert its sovereignty over its territory. Beirut has long sought to end Israeli occupation and secure the country’s borders, which have been the site of numerous clashes between Israeli forces and militant groups.
The Israeli withdrawal is expected to trigger a significant shift in the regional dynamic, with implications for countries across the Middle East. As the two countries move forward with implementing the agreement, international actors will be closely monitoring developments to gauge the prospect of long-term peace and stability in the area.