Israel Insists on Posts in Lebanon as US Rejects Pullout Delay
- Israel wants to keep a few outposts beyond Feb. 18 deadline
- Talks underway to reach deal that averts imperiling ceasefire
A watchtower near a border fence on the border of Lebanon, Israel and Syria.
Photographer: Jalaa Marey/AFP/Getty ImagesIsrael is pushing to hold onto a handful of positions in Lebanon after a request to keep the bulk of its troops in the country beyond next week’s deadline was rejected by the US, said people familiar with negotiations.
Israel’s reluctance to fully withdraw risks reigniting tensions with Iran-backed Hezbollah and raising hurdles for Lebanon’s newly-formed government, its first in more than two years. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun is aiming to take advantage of Hezbollah’s weakening to assert his authority in the country.