This information was released within the framework of ongoing negotiations with Lebanon in Washington under the auspices of the United States, aimed at finding a long-term solution to the security situation along the border between the two countries.
A senior Israeli official said that Israeli forces have controlled some areas in recent days to gain an advantage at the negotiating table, thereby creating conditions for further troop withdrawals if appropriate security agreements are reached.
According to the plan being considered, Israel may deploy a pilot program, which would withdraw troops from some areas in southern Lebanon and transfer control to the Lebanese army. The goal of the program is to assess the Lebanese army's ability to maintain security in border areas and prevent Hezbollah's re-enactment.
Earlier on the same day, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Hezbollah Secretary General Naim Qassem both requested Israel to completely withdraw its forces from Lebanese territory.
Speaking before the round of negotiations in the US began, Mr. Aoun affirmed that Beirut will "not accept anything other than completely ending Israel's presence in southern Lebanon", with the goal of fully restoring sovereignty over the entire national territory and expanding state control to all regions in the country.
The round of negotiations took place in the context that the actual situation is still potentially tense. Hezbollah on the same day accused the Israeli army of violating the ceasefire order by firing at a group of civilians near the city of Nabatiya in southern Lebanon, killing two people and injuring two others. For its part, the Israeli army confirmed that it had conducted airstrikes against an armed Hezbollah group operating near Israeli forces in the Ali Taher hill area of the security zone in southern Lebanon.
Observers believe that the current round of negotiations is one of the most important tests for the post-conflict stability process in Lebanon. The success of the plan to establish pilot areas not only determines the future military presence of Israel in southern Lebanon but also reflects the ability of the Beirut government to implement its commitment to put all security activities under state control instead of forces outside the official system.
