Israeli Army announces "temporary" reduction of forces in Lebanon

Israel will "temporarily" reduce some of its forces in Lebanon, the country's military said in a statement sent to CNN, as part of what it described as an effort to sustain "long-term" operations.

The IDF (Israel Defense Forces) said it will withdraw "several brigades" from both the northern and southern sectors - referring to Lebanon and Gaza - while troops undergo readiness training and "improve operational proficiency."

A brigade can have a force of 2,000 to 5,000 soldiers. The statement did not mention the cession of territories as part of this reduction.

The IDF has faced a growing shortage of personnel after more than three years of almost uninterrupted war.

The military needs "every combat soldier and every commander", said the IDF Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, this Thursday (25).

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On Wednesday (24), Israel's Defense Minister, Israel Katz, stated that the IDF would not withdraw from Lebanon, even if the US demanded such a measure.

CNN had previously reported that Israel was considering "symbolic" withdrawals from occupied territories in southern Lebanon, as part of negotiations and as a "gesture" to the Lebanese government.

These negotiations continued for the third day in Washington, this Thursday.

"As part of the updated mobilization plan, brigades will rotate between different regional commands, and force levels will continue to be adjusted according to the operational situation," the IDF said.

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Source: CNN