Israel “to return” village to Lebanon
Under pressure from the Obama administration, Israel is reportedly planning to withdraw its forces from the southern Lebanese village of Ghajar.
Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, whose hawkish views on the Middle East peace process has drawn strong criticism from Washington, is likely to heed to the US request and announce the withdrawal, Haaretz quoted a senior political source as saying on Saturday.
Historically a Syrian territory, Ghajar was occupied by Israel in the aftermath of the 1967 Six Day War, which saw Israeli troops capturing the Golan Heights.
However, in the 1978 Israeli invasion of southern Lebanon the village expanded northward with the villagers favoring Lebanese rule, but Tel Aviv maintained its troop in the southern parts of Ghajar.
The UN and the US have been pressing Israel to withdraw its forces from the territory under Resolution 1701 which ended Israel”s second invasion of Lebanon in 2006.
During his recent visit to Israel, US envoy to the Middle East George Mitchell also reiterated Washington”s stance on the issue, calling on Tel Aviv to complete the withdrawal as promised by Ehud Olmert”s government.
Netanyahu, who is going to visit Washington on May 17, is expected to announce the pullback following a cabinet meeting on Wednesday, Haaretz reported.
The withdrawal, however, is unlikely to take place prior to Lebanon”s parliamentary elections in early June.
According to the Israeli political source, the US pressure coupled with the Lebanese vote put the issue of Ghajar high on Netanyahu”s agenda.
"Everyone is aware of the narrow timescale," the source said. "Therefore, first a statement in principle on Israel”s position, to be followed by practical action on the ground soon after."