Israel says it will remain in southern Lebanon until Hezbollah disarms

Israel says it will remain in southern Lebanon until Hezbollah disarms Israel says it will continue to occupy parts of southern Lebanon until Hezbollah is disarmed, even as US-mediated talks between Israel and Lebanon continue in Washington, DC. Israeli government spokesperson David Mencer told reporters that Israel would not withdraw its troops unless Hezbollah is disarmed and southern Lebanon is demilitarised. "We will not withdraw our forces from southern Lebanon as long as Hezbollah remains a threat, is not disarmed and demilitarised," Mencer said. Asked about the ongoing talks, Mencer said Israel was making "extremely clear" that its priority was the security of its northern citizens and the rest of the country. "We will not allow any terrorist force anywhere near our border, which means that any redeployment of forces comes after, not before, but after the demilitarisation of southern Lebanon and the disarming of Hezbollah," he said.