Israel says the IDF has completed deployment in Lebanon security belt, opening the door to diplomacy

Israel has informed Lebanon that the IDF has completed its deployment in the areas previously defined as the security belt in southern Lebanon, according to a Thursday evening report by Kan News. Israeli officials said this means the time has come for political steps that would ensure the Lebanese Army takes over from the IDF and prevents Hezbollah operatives from returning to places the IDF withdraws from.

Talks continued today in a tense atmosphere, and the main dispute between the sides became clear. Israel wants to retain the full original April security belt, known as the "anti-tank line," before IDF forces crossed the Litani River and captured the Beaufort Ridge and Ali Tahr Ridge. Lebanon, by contrast, is demanding withdrawals from areas even inside the original yellow line, including villages such as Majdal Zoun, Zibqin, Beit Leif, al-Tiri, and Kunin, all listed by their distance from the border.

Israeli officials said they are unwilling to withdraw from the anti-tank line and Beaufort Ridge, but are seriously considering pulling back from other areas. As part of the pilot arrangement, an American coordination mechanism will oversee activity between the IDF and the Lebanese Army.

After any decision is reached, the IDF will need several days to organize and then move back while securing its forces.