Israel Refuses US Withdrawal Demands from Lebanon, Cites Military Restrictions

According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, Israeli War Minister Yoav Gallant has declared that the Israeli regime will not withdraw from areas under its occupation in Lebanon, even if the United States requests such a move. This statement was reported by Al-Mayadeen, citing data published by the Mehr News Agency.

Gallant also indicated that Israel will not permit the return of approximately 200,000 residents to regions currently under Israeli control. This assertion comes amidst reports from Hebrew media detailing increasing anger and dissatisfaction among Israeli soldiers and their families due to the restrictions placed on the army’s operations in southern Lebanon.

Hebrew radio station Kol Barama reported that following a ceasefire in Lebanon and based on orders from senior leadership, Israeli army forces are refraining from destroying critical infrastructure discovered in southern Lebanon prior to the ceasefire’s commencement. According to the report, all preparations were made for the destruction of these facilities, but an order was issued to “halt everything.”

Channel 12 of Israeli television reported that the families of Israeli soldiers deployed in Lebanon have sent a letter to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, War Minister Yoav Gallant, and Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi. The letter details the complex situation their sons are facing on the ground and calls for immediate action.

The families wrote in their letter: “Our sons are bound in Lebanon, and it appears that external factors sometimes determine the course of developments. We will not allow our forces to become victims due to external considerations or the indifference of political leaders.”