Israel to quit Lebanon by Friday: Army chief

JERUSALEM: Israeli army chief Dan Halutz on Tuesday told parliament's foreign affairs and defence committee that the Israeli forces will leave southern Lebanon by Friday, a member of the panel said.

Halutz said "he hoped the last troops will leave southern Lebanon by the eve of Rosh Hashana (the Jewish new year which starts Saturday)," the source said.

Israeli forces have remained in Lebanon after the month-long war against Hezbollah ended on August 14, and have been gradually withdrawing as international forces and the Lebanese army assume control over the area.

According to the army, troops have so far pulled back from over 75 percent of the territory.