According to a report published Sunday in Lebanon, authorities in the country have been informed that Israel may withdraw from some of the positions it holds in southern Lebanon as a goodwill gesture ahead of the negotiating meeting between Israel and Lebanon expected to take place this week.
Shortly before the report was published, Defense Minister Israel Katz made clear that there was no intention of withdrawing from Beaufort or from the security zone.
"Israel has no intention of withdrawing from Beaufort, which is an integral part of the security zone in Lebanon and is vital for defending the communities of the Galilee and IDF troops," he said.
"As Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and I have made clear, Israel will not withdraw from the security zone in Lebanon," Katz added.
The Lebanese report and Katz's statement come against the backdrop of ongoing contacts between the sides and preparations for the expected round of talks later this week.
