US proposes deploying military contractors in bid to make Israel leave Lebanon
France and the United States are trying to encourage Israel to fully withdraw from south Lebanon by suggesting the deployment of a peacekeeping force or even private security companies in strategic areas.
All Israeli troops were due to leave Lebanese territory by Tuesday, as the deadline passed for the full implementation of the ceasefire deal that brought an end to a year of fighting between Israel and Hezbollah.
While residential border towns are now free of Israeli soldiers, they nonetheless remain in five key areas of the south.
According to an American diplomatic source, Israel proposed to maintain control over these five points at least until 28 February to “supervise the safe return” of Israelis to their communities near the Lebanese border.
However, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has strongly rejected this proposal.
