Leiter says to withdraw only if Hezbollah is removed from pilot zones
Israeli Ambassador to the United States Yechiel Leiter has said that the Israeli army will only withdraw from Lebanon if Hezbollah is removed from pilot zones in the country's south.
"If Hezbollah is going to stay there, we haven't accomplished anything, and that's why they're called pilot zones," Leiter told U.S. TV network CBS. "If it works, then we continue the withdrawal. If it doesn't work, then we stay where we are."
Leiter, one of the lead representatives on the matter in Washington, stressed that the withdrawal plan is not delayed and that the framework hinges on the Lebanese Army being "receptive" to the pilot zones.
"Hezbollah has no business in Lebanon," he said. "As a matter of fact, Israel and Lebanon are on the same page. We want Hezbollah out for our security and for their sovereignty. We can withdraw the moment that Hezbollah is dismantled," Leiter added.
He referred to himself as "leading the negotiations on Israel's behalf with Lebanon," adding that he knows "a thing or two about the trilateral agreement."
Leiter emphasized Israel's refusal to return to a situation where it is threatened by a possible October 7-like attack by Hezbollah.
He added that talks between Israel and Lebanon are set to continue in Rome, noting that his attendance will depend on plans for the funeral of the late U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, who died on Saturday following health complications.
When asked about the relationship between the U.S.-Iran Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and Israel's negotiations with Lebanon, Leiter responded that Tehran has "no business" in the region.
"What the agreement with Lebanon does is completely remove Iran from the paradigm," said Leiter. "Iran is not to be involved in Lebanon."
Source: Naharnet
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