U. S.
President Donald Trump stated on Wednesday at the NATO Summit in Ankara that he expects Israel to withdraw its military forces from southern Lebanon under an existing bilateral security framework.
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The statement follows a June 26 security agreement brokered by the United States, in which Israel and Lebanon agreed that Israel would transfer two specific border areas to the control of the Lebanese Armed Forces.
Trump noted that he previously discussed the redeployment details directly with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
"Yeah, I think they're going to. I think they want to," Trump said.
The American president expressed optimism about the diplomatic roadmap despite recent public statements from Israeli leadership indicating the military presence would remain active until regional threats are neutralized.
"So we have a deal with Israel and Lebanon. Yeah, they'll leave.
And I think it's going to work out very well," Trump added.
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Contrasting Views From Israeli Leadership
Trump's political assessment contrasts with statements from Netanyahu, who visited occupied territory last week alongside defense officials to brief troops on security operations.
Netanyahu informed soldiers that a withdrawal would not occur as long as Iran-backed Hezbollah forces pose an active threat along the northern border.
According to reporting by Walla, Israel Defense Forces Northern Command officials harbor skepticism about whether the Lebanese military can successfully secure the area.
Military officers expressed doubts that the Lebanese Armed Forces would thoroughly dismantle Hezbollah infrastructure due to a high percentage of Shiite soldiers within its ranks who may refuse to confront the militant organization.
Israeli security sources stated the military will maintain its positions until the Lebanese army provides a definitive start date for a pilot program to clear weapons and tunnels.
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IDF data indicates engineering units have accelerated the destruction of militant infrastructure, wiping out approximately 100 percent of buildings in western and central sector villages and 73 percent in eastern sector villages.
