Israel will not withdraw troops from Lebanon by deadline, Netanyahu says
GuardianJAN 28
Israel, Lebanon to Begin Talks on Border Disagreements
Above: A portrait of slain Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and a flag of the Amal movement hangs on the rubble of a house destroyed in Israeli strikes in the southern Lebanese village of Ramia near the border with Israel on March 5, 2025. Image copyright: Mahmoud Zayyat/Contributor/AFP via Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-Israel narrative
Talks to end border disputes between Lebanon and Israel must begin as soon as possible so that conflict in the future can be avoided. As an act of goodwill, Israel released Lebanese security prisoners to ensure that talks can begin on a positive note.
Anti-Israel narrative
The US' primary goal is to force Lebanon into a normalization agreement with Israel, but its efforts will only provoke further resistance. The Lebanese government should avoid any talks with Israel that aren't strictly focused on ending Israeli violations of the cease-fire and the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanese territory.