Israel’s ‘pilot zones’: Withdrawal on paper, continued occupation of south Lebanon

Israel’s ‘pilot zones’: Withdrawal on paper, continued occupation of south Lebanon Giovanna Vial on Wed, 08/12/2026 - 15:47 MEE visited two of the villages touted as models for Israel's withdrawal. Residents say Israeli troops were never there to begin with A Lebanese soldier stands guard

Hezbollah criticises Beirut’s approach, accusing officials of exposing the Lebanese army to risks and Israeli pressure.

According to reports from Lebanon, Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon continued, including artillery fire toward the Ali Taher area.

By Maayan Lubell and Maya Gebeily JERUSALEM/BEIRUT, Aug 13 (Reuters) - Israel won't withdraw from southern Lebanon until Hezbollah is disarmed, the defence minister said on Thursday, qualifying remarks he made a day earlier that had suggested Israeli forces would occupy the territory indefinitely and drew U.S. criticis

After US criticism, Israel ties Lebanon withdrawal to Hezbollah disarmament  Reuters

JERUSALEM/BEIRUT, Aug 13 - Israel won't withdraw from southern Lebanon until Hezbollah is disarmed, the defence minister said on Thursday, qualifying remarks he made a day earlier that had suggested Israeli forces would occupy the territory indefinitely and drew U.S. criticism.

The unusually direct rebuke from Washington came after Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz declared that Israeli forces would not withdraw from Lebanese land.

After US criticism, Israel ties Lebanon withdrawal to Hezbollah disarmament  Arab News

Israel's war against Hezbollah in South Lebanon has poisoned land and destroyed valuable ecosystems for generations to come. NPR takes soil samples of the land.