Synopsis
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz has announced that the IDF will continue to occupy five strategic locations in southern Lebanon indefinitely, independent of negotiations on disputed border points. This follows a ceasefire established post-Gaza conflict and recent discussions involving detainee releases.Key Takeaways
- IDF to remain at five strategic points in Lebanon.
- Decision independent of border negotiations.
- Ceasefire established since November 27, 2024.
- Joint working groups to stabilize the region.
- Five Lebanese detainees to be released.
Jerusalem, March 14 (NationPress) Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz declared on Friday that the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) will sustain its presence at five key positions in southern Lebanon "indefinitely," irrespective of ongoing discussions regarding 13 contested border locations.
During a security evaluation on Thursday with IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir and other high-ranking military personnel, Katz underscored that the IDF will persist in holding these five sites, which oversee the buffer zone in Lebanon, as a protective measure for northern Israeli communities.
"This resolution is entirely autonomous from any forthcoming negotiations pertinent to disputed border areas," his office indicated in a statement, further adding that Katz has directed the IDF to bolster its positions at these critical sites and prepare for an extended stay.
Since November 27, 2024, a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon has been active, which concluded prolonged confrontations between Hezbollah and Israel instigated by the Gaza conflict.
Earlier this week, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office announced that Israel has consented to release five Lebanese nationals detained in Israeli prisons, following quadrilateral discussions involving Israeli, Lebanese, French, and American officials.
This meeting occurred on Tuesday in Naqoura, Lebanon.
Officials reached an agreement to form three joint working groups "aimed at stabilizing the region." The groups will deliberate on disputes related to the Blue Line, the UN-recognized land border dividing Israel and Lebanon; disagreements over five sites in Lebanon where Israeli forces remain despite a November 2024 ceasefire necessitating full withdrawal; and Lebanese detainees held by Israel.
No particulars were disclosed regarding the identities of the five detainees.
Israel's Army Radio reported that the five, who had been confined in Israel for several months, would be relocated to Lebanon via the Red Cross later on Tuesday, following US-mediated discussions.
Lebanese media reported that Israel will release four civilians and a Hezbollah member, while Lebanon has pledged to engage in negotiations with Israel concerning the 13 disputed border locations.
