TEL AVIV — After seven rounds of US-backed talks and another planned for early September in Rome, Israel and Lebanon appear to be making incremental progress toward an agreement on an Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon, with the ultimate goal of a peace deal. The crucial Israeli elections on Oct. 27 are, however, casting doubt on significant progress in the coming months.

Katz irks Washington

During a tour of Israeli positions in southern Lebanon on Wednesday, Defense Minister Israel Katz rejected any suggestion of an Israeli withdrawal. “I have instructed the military to take all the necessary steps for a long-term presence in the area,” he said, insisting that Israeli forces remaining there were vital to defending Israel's northern border communities against Hezbollah attacks.

The statement earned him a US rebuke. A State Department official told i24NEWS, “The United States expects all parties to act in a manner consistent with the framework they agreed to.” The official added, “A permanent military presence in southern Lebanon is inconsistent with the commitments outlined in the framework, or with the long-term peace and security of both countries.”