Lebanese Media Confirms Israel Troops Remain In Five Outposts

(MENAFN- Live Mint) The Israeli military retained five outposts just over its northern border but has otherwise withdrawn from Lebanon in keeping with Tuesday's deadline, Lebanon's state-run National News Agency reported.

Lebanese soldiers took over positions vacated in 13 villages, the army said. The handover is part of a US-brokered truce between Israel and Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, according to which a full pullout was set to happen by the extended deadline.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun held a meeting with the prime minister and the house speaker earlier where the three agreed to appeal to the United Nations Security Council to pressure Israel into withdrawing from all Lebanese territories.

The truce between Hezbollah and Israel will likely hold, even if skirmishes may take place.

Israel's Defense Minister Israel Katz said in a statement troops would stay“in the buffer zone in Lebanon in five outposts and will continue to enforce forcefully and without compromise against any violation by Hezbollah.”

Developments at its southern border come at a crucial time for Lebanon. The country's first elected government in more than two years is trying to regain full territorial control and demonstrate the Lebanese army is able to eliminate foreign occupation.

Aoun said Monday Israel“cannot be trusted” and his country would prepare a united response. Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam held phone calls with several Arab and Gulf officials seeking to raise pressure on Israel to call its remaining troops from Lebanon.

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