BEIRUT, August 13. /Dunyo IA/. The U.S. administration does not support a permanent Israeli military presence in Lebanon, reports Dunyo IA correspondent, citing with “Al Arabiya”.

Statement was made by an unnamed U.S. Department of State official following remarks by Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz that Israeli forces would remain in the occupied territories of Lebanon and Gaza.

“The United States expects all parties to act in a manner consistent with the agreed Framework, and Israel has clearly stated that it has no territorial ambitions in Lebanon”, the U.S. official said.

Statement refers to the ceasefire agreement between Lebanon and Israel brokered by Washington, which provides for the progressive withdrawal of Israeli forces from the country, the disarmament of Iran-backed Hezbollah, and the transfer of control over southern Lebanon to the Lebanese Armed Forces.

Earlier, Israel Katz said during a visit to southern Lebanon that Israeli forces would “remain here” and that Israel did not intend to withdraw from the “security zone” being established in the border area. According to him, the Israel Defense Forces must be prepared for a long-term presence.

The State Department emphasized that a permanent deployment of Israeli forces in southern Lebanon is not consistent with the commitments set out in the Framework and does not contribute to the long-term peace and security of both states. Washington also reaffirmed its full support for Lebanon’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.

Under the Framework, the withdrawal of Israeli forces is to take place progressively and be conditioned on the verified disarmament of “Hezbollah” and the dismantling of its military infrastructure. At the same time, the Lebanese Armed Forces are to expand their control over the southern areas.

Photo by “AP”