IDF still in Lebanon buffer zones despite State Dept . comment , official says

What Happened

Two IDF sources denied a US State Department official's claim on Thursday that Israel has withdrawn from parts of its buffer zone in southern Lebanon. The US official had said, 'Israel has already taken a concrete step by pulling back from a part of its buffer zone,' and urged the Lebanese Armed Forces to move in and clear Hezbollah weapons. A senior Lebanese security official also stated they were unaware of any Israeli withdrawal. The article details that Israel had offered a limited 'pilot' withdrawal from newly captured areas like Tibnin and the Ali Taher Ridge to test whether the Lebanese army would disarm Hezbollah, but no pullback has occurred. Israeli officials distinguish between areas with a direct line of sight to Israeli villages and those without, and multiple potential withdrawal lines exist—from the Litani River line to the five outposts held in February 2025. Prime Minister Netanyahu and Defense Minister Katz have indicated the IDF may remain in parts of southern Lebanon for months or years to pressure Hezbollah to disarm.

Key Actors

Why It Matters

The contested status of the buffer zones tests the durability of the Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire and the Lebanese army's willingness to confront Hezbollah. Israel's continued presence is intended to pressure Hezbollah to disarm and reassure residents of northern Israel, while delays in withdrawal prolong displacement and reconstruction. A mismatch between Israeli, US, and Lebanese narratives risks eroding confidence in the ceasefire mechanism and could lead to renewed escalation if Hezbollah compliance is deemed insufficient.

Watch For

Monitor for any actual IDF withdrawal from sites like Tibnin or Ali Taher Ridge as part of a 'pilot' test; Lebanese army deployments in vacated areas; Hezbollah's adherence to disarmament commitments; further US diplomatic interventions; and statements from Netanyahu or Katz on the timeline for the IDF's presence in southern Lebanon.