The Israeli government's decision to withdraw from south Lebanon in July continues to draw mixed reactions from Lebanese officials, with observers saying that the ambiguity of Israel's intentions makes the situation highly volatile. Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak announced on 5 March that with or without accords with Syria and Lebanon, Israel will pull its troops out of the area in south Lebanon which it has occupied since 14 March 1978.
Nothing is clear yet.
Although Lebanon has welcomed the implementation of Resolution 425, which calls for the unilateral withdrawal of Israeli troops from south Lebanon to the internationally-recognised borders, according to Salman officials in Beirut have hesitated to announce their position until it becomes clear whether Israel will discharge its commitment under the resolution. Lebanon wants to know exactly where the borders will be drawn. With Israel's occupation of the strategic Syrian Golan Heights which are rich in water resources, the water issue has been a perennial obstacle in the way of resuming peace talks. Syria rejected this position and emphasised its incompatibility with UN Security Council resolutions. Another issue that remains unclear regarding an Israeli withdrawal from south Lebanon is the future of 367,000 Palestinian refugees living in 12 camps in Lebanon.