Israel, Lebanon deny that Israel has withdrawn from part of southern Lebanon

Senior Israeli and Lebanese officials have refuted claims of an Israeli troop withdrawal from southern Lebanon, contradicting a U.S. official's statement about a "good faith gesture." While discussions continue on a U.S.-backed proposal for Lebanon's military to take control of parts of the territory, on-the-ground reports indicate Israeli forces are maintaining their buffer zone, enforcing restrictions against all approaches, including Lebanese army troops.