Lebanon demands full Israeli withdrawal in any Washington deal

A complete Israeli withdrawal from all Lebanese territory must be included in any “declaration of principles” that could emerge from ongoing negotiations in Washington, a senior Lebanese official said Friday. Speaking on condition of anonymity, the official said the Lebanese delegation remains committed to securing a full Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon under a defined timetable. “The insistence on a complete Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory according to a timetable, and Lebanon’s adherence to this position, led to the extension of the negotiations by an additional day,” the source said.

Pilot areas and Yellow Line

Early Friday, the US State Department announced that the fifth round of Lebanon-Israel talks had been extended by one day. The Lebanese official stressed that “the withdrawal from all Lebanese territory must be a fundamental element of the declaration of principles should one be reached.” Addressing proposals involving “model” or “pilot” areas, the source said Lebanon is seeking a precise definition of the areas from which Israeli forces would withdraw — specifically within the Yellow Line, an unofficial line extending roughly 8 kilometres inside Lebanese territory. Israel refuses to withdraw from areas within the Yellow Line and insists on maintaining its presence at Beaufort Castle.

Continuing occupation and casualties

Israel continues to occupy parts of southern Lebanon, some for decades and others seized during the 2023-2024 war. Since March 2, 2026, Israeli aggressions have killed 4,230 people and injured 12,179, while displacing more than 1 million.