Israel will not withdraw from Lebanon, says Israeli Defence Minister, even under US request

"We have made it clear that under no circumstances will we retreat, and since this moment -- and this is a diplomatic achievement -- there is no American requirement that Israel withdraw from Lebanon", Israel Katz said, speaking at the MUNI EXIO conference in Tel Aviv.

Katz said he had made Israel's position clear to his American counterpart, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had told US President Donald Trump that, Television reports, broadcast. Periscope.

Katz's comments come on the second day of talks between Israel and Lebanon under the auspices of the Trump Administration, Television broadcasts.

Katz had already said Israel would not withdraw its forces in southern Lebanon, but his latest comments make his position clear even if it is a US request.

CNN reported earlier that Israel is considering <x0mbolistic"from territory occupied in southern Lebanon as part of talks as a"gest"for the Lebanese government. /Periscope