Israel’s security and political leadership held intensive consultations over the past 24 hours amid close contact between Jerusalem and Washington at all levels, ahead of expected renewed contacts with Lebanon on Tuesday. The report was first published Sunday by Yaron Avraham on Channel 12 News.
Officials familiar with the sensitive discussions said there has been no American demand or request so far for an IDF withdrawal from southern Lebanon. Even so, security officials are considering limited, localized pullbacks from areas where the army is now operating beyond the 10-kilometer line.
One option under review is a withdrawal from the strategic Beaufort Castle area, illustrating the difficulty of holding the forward defensive line. The issue is said to be causing a deep disagreement among decision-makers.
Some officials argue that Beaufort’s symbolic and historical importance means Israel should continue to hold it militarily. Others say a controlled withdrawal could signal an Israeli initiative and a willingness to move toward improved relations with Lebanon.
