Israel reportedly rejects Lebanese demand to end southern Lebanon invasion in Pentagon talks

Israel has reportedly rejected a Lebanese demand for the withdrawal of Israeli invading forces from southern Lebanon during US-mediated talks between the two sides.

Israel’s public broadcaster KAN, citing Israeli officials, said on Friday that Lebanon raised the issue during discussions involving military representatives from both countries under US sponsorship.

Israel informed mediators that it would not withdraw, according to the report.

KAN said the talks also addressed the possibility of reaching a broader ceasefire arrangement that would include discussions on Hezbollah’s weapons.

The broadcaster, citing Lebanese media reports, said Israeli and Lebanese military delegations are not holding direct talks, with all messages relayed through the US mediator.

Lebanon requested clarifications regarding terms used by Israel to justify its military invasion, including "imminent danger" and "response to threats," according to the reports, which added that Israel is seeking a direct communication mechanism between the Israeli and Lebanese armies, as well as cooperation on the disarmament of Hezbollah.

Lebanon, however, rejects any direct coordination and maintains that the priority is ending Israeli invasion and attacks and ensuring compliance with arrangements pursued through US mediation.

KAN also reported that Israeli military representatives focused during the talks on Hezbollah drones and military facilities north of the Litani River.

US hails 'productive' talks

But a US official called the meeting "productive", adding that it will complement upcoming diplomatic discussions.

"Today at the Pentagon, I hosted military delegations from Israel and Lebanon for the security track supporting the ongoing peace talks between their two countries," Elbridge Colby, the Pentagon's second-in-command, said on X.

"We held productive military-to-military discussions which will inform the Department of State-led political track next week," he said.

The Pentagon in a statement said it supports Lebanon's sovereignty and territorial integrity, "free of armed non-state actors," and welcomed the commitment of both militaries to the negotiations.

Israel has continued its invasion and attacks on southern Lebanon and elsewhere despite a ceasefire that took effect April 17 and was extended for 45 days beginning May 17, following indirect talks mediated by the US.

The Lebanese Health Ministry said Israeli attacks since March 2 have killed 3,355 victims across the country.

Despite ongoing talks, Israel bombed three areas of Tyre in southern Lebanon on Friday killing 11 people including a rescuer and a Syrian national, the health ministry said.

Eight people were wounded, including another rescuer, the ministry said, slamming the attacks as a "flagrant violation of humanitarian law".

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Source: TRT