Israel says will only withdraw troops from Lebanon after Hezbollah disarmed

Israel said Thursday that it would only withdraw its forces from southern Lebanon after Hezbollah was disarmed, as the two countries engaged in US-mediated talks in Washington.
The Israeli military has launched widespread airstrikes in Lebanon and sent troops into the country’s south after Hezbollah, the powerful militia backed by Iran, entered the Middle East war on the side of its patron in March.
“We will not withdraw our forces from southern Lebanon as long as Hezbollah remains a threat, are not disarmed and are not demilitarised,” David Mencer, a government spokesman, said in a briefing to journalists.
Under US pressure, Lebanese officials began direct talks in April with Israe...