Washington said the indefinite deployment of the Israeli army in southern Lebanon is incompatible with the framework established for the long-term peace and security of the two countries.
A senior unnamed US State Department official said a permanent military presence would undermine the obligations set out in the agreement signed in June. The official said Washington expects all parties to act in accordance with the agreed framework.
Israeli army will not withdraw
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said during a visit to southern Lebanon that the army’s presence in the area would continue indefinitely. Katz said Israel would not leave the area or withdraw, adding that they would ensure the security of the communities in the north.
The US official recalled that Israel had stated it had no territorial objectives in Lebanese territory. However, the official noted that a permanent military presence in southern Lebanon was inconsistent with the responsibilities set out in the agreement and its goal of achieving lasting peace.
Withdrawal and disarmament conditions
The framework agreement signed under US auspices on June 26 provides for Israel’s gradual withdrawal from occupied Lebanese territory. Under the agreement, this step is conditional on Hezbollah’s disarmament and the verifiable dismantling of the group’s infrastructure.
The text also provides for the disarmament of armed groups and the deployment of the Lebanese army in the south. The Lebanese army has begun operating in some of the initial pilot areas designated by the agreement. The US said it would continue to support the process.
Impact of the operation in Lebanon
Lebanese authorities said 4,335 people had been killed and 12,277 wounded in Israel’s operation, which began on March 2. More than 1 million people were displaced as a result of the operations.
The occupied area covers the territory controlled by the Israeli army in southern Lebanon, extending up to approximately 10 kilometers in some areas.
