Israel is examining the possibility of limited withdrawals from parts of southern Lebanon ahead of a new round of talks with Lebanon scheduled to begin in Washington on Tuesday, according to a channel 12 report.

A series of consultations took place over the past 24 hours between Israel’s political and security leadership, alongside discussions with U.S. officials, as preparations continue for the upcoming negotiations. Senior officials familiar with the talks said no American request for an Israeli withdrawal has been received, but Israeli officials are nevertheless considering what they describe as “small withdrawals” from certain areas in southern Lebanon.

Among the options being discussed is a limited pullback from areas where IDF forces are operating beyond the 10-kilometer line, including the Beaufort area. Officials involved in the discussions said there is disagreement over the issue. Some argue that Beaufort’s symbolic and strategic significance requires Israel to maintain its presence there, while others believe a withdrawal could demonstrate an Israeli initiative aimed at improving relations with Lebanon ahead of the talks.

As these discussions continue, the IDF remains active in southern Lebanon. Earlier today, troops from the 91st Division uncovered what the military described as a strategic underground Hezbollah facility in the village of Majdal Zoun, approximately 10 kilometers from the Israeli border. According to the IDF, the site formed part of infrastructure used to launch drones toward Israel.

Israeli officials say any adjustments to troop deployments would be presented as the result of Israeli initiative and dialogue with the Lebanese government, rather than as a response to outside pressure or Iranian demands.

At the same time, officials stressed that Israel’s continued presence along the “yellow line” remains non-negotiable. “The yellow line is a red line,” officials said, arguing that maintaining control of the area is essential both for protecting northern Israeli communities and preserving leverage in negotiations.

Tuesday’s talks will continue discussions launched last month under U.S. mediation. Israel has sought to link any additional withdrawal from southern Lebanon to concrete action by the Lebanese Army against Hezbollah. American officials have also indicated that Washington is not demanding an Israeli withdrawal from the yellow line as a condition for future understandings.

The diplomatic discussions come as President Isaac Herzog reiterated Israel’s desire for a political arrangement with Lebanon, while arguing that peace cannot be achieved as long as Hezbollah remains armed and heavily influenced by Iran. Meanwhile, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam have continued to call for a permanent ceasefire, a full Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon, the deployment of the Lebanese Army to the border, and the launch of reconstruction efforts.

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