Israel begins pullout from Southern Lebanon

JERUSALEM, MAY 2. Israel began pulling out of two fortified forward positions in Southern Lebanon in preparation for its planned complete withdrawal from the zone by July 7, a military spokesman said.

Communications equipment was dismantled at Tzipporen Fort in the north of the zone Israel has occupied for 22 years, while munitions from the small fort, 100 metres from the de facto Israeli-Lebanese border, were brought further back.

The same source said a pro-Israeli militiaman was injured yesterday during an attack by the Shia Hezbollah against a position in the north-east of the occupied zone.

The Israeli press reported that the sand dunes around the two small fortified positions were flattened by tractors.

The daily Yediot Aharonot said today Israeli security officials believed the pro-Israeli South Lebanon Army (SLA) should be allowed to hang on to equipment provided by Israel, from light arms to tanks. The Israeli Security Cabinet began discussions with military chiefs this week on the modalities of their retreat from the occupied zone.

Israel has pledged to withdraw its troops from Southern Lebanon by July whether or not it has reached a deal with Lebanon and Syria.

- AFP

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Section  : International
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