Israeli troops will withdraw from Lebanon by Sunday, a Lebanese government official said Saturday, citing information from the head of the U.N. peacekeeping mission in Lebanon. Peacekeeping chief in Lebanon, Major General Alain Pelligrini, informed Prime Minister Fuad Saniora of Israel's decision at a security meeting late Friday, said the official, speaking on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to give official statements. Pelligrini, a French national, commands the United Nations peacekeeping forces in Lebanon, known as UNIFIL. Spokesman for the force, Alexander Ivanko, said he had no comment on the matter, the Associated Press reported. The U.N. resolution that opened the way for a cease-fire ending more than a month of fighting Aug. 14 calls on Israel to withdraw from Lebanon, but does not specify a deadline.
