US envoy says Israeli army will withdraw completely from south Lebanon

As Israel pulls out of western sector, Amos Hochstein promises full Israeli withdrawal with 60-day deadline looming.

The Israeli military will withdraw completely from south Lebanon, United States envoy Amos Hochstein has said, despite recent reports that Israel is planning to maintain a permanent presence in the country.

Hochstein’s statement on Monday came as Israel was withdrawing its forces from Naqoura in the western sector of the border, with the Lebanese army deploying in the area.

“The Israeli military started its withdrawal from Naqoura, most of the western sector and back into Israel proper today, south of the Blue Line,” Hochstein told reporters in Beirut, referring to the unofficial border between the two countries.

“These withdrawals will continue until all Israeli forces are out of Lebanon completely.”

However, the US official did not specify a timetable for the Israeli withdrawal.