Ahead of the renewal of contacts with Lebanon on Tuesday, Israel is examining possible field steps that could include limited IDF withdrawals from southern Lebanon, according to a report by Channel 12. Over the past day, senior political and security officials have held consultations, along with discussions with the US administration, focused on possible “small withdrawals” from areas where the IDF operates beyond the 10-kilometer line.
According to people familiar with the talks, one location under consideration is Beaufort. The issue has triggered disagreement within the security establishment. Some officials argue that, because of Beaufort’s symbolic importance, Israel should keep holding it, while others say pulling back could serve as a meaningful gesture as part of efforts to improve ties with Lebanon.
Israeli officials stressed that any move would be presented as a decision initiated by Jerusalem and as part of direct dialogue with the Lebanese government, not as an action imposed from outside. The same sources said no American request has been made so far for an IDF withdrawal from southern Lebanon.
Jerusalem, they said, is determined to keep its positions in the buffer zone and views the so-called yellow line as a red line. They said maintaining that line remains central both to defending northern Israeli communities and to preserving leverage for the renewed negotiations with Lebanon. Defense Minister Israel Katz said Israel has no intention of withdrawing from Beaufort, calling it part of Lebanon’s security zone and vital for the defense of the Galilee communities and IDF forces. He added that, as he and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have made clear, Israel will not withdraw from Lebanon’s security zone.
