Israel wants joint patrols with Lebanon after pullout

Israel was seeking the right to conduct joint military patrols with the Lebanese Army in Lebanese territory after an Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon, a senior Israeli official said Wednesday.

The official told Reuters the patrols were part of special security arrangements Israel was demanding in southern Lebanon as a condition for withdrawing its troops.

Israel also wants to set up three early-warning stations, each manned by a company of about 120 soldiers, inside Lebanon. This demand has been rejected by Lebanon and the US as an infringement of Lebanese sovereignty. The official also said Israel has proposed a special role for the Lebanese right-wing Christian militia, led by former Lebanese Army Maj. Saad Haddad.