Is Israel destroying Iran-US peace deal? What did Benjamin Netanyahu say about Lebanon?

Tel Aviv: Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on Thursday that the Israeli military would remain in southern Lebanon, where it has established control up to 10 kilometers beyond the border. These are Netanyahu's first remarks following the signing of the US-Iran agreement. Netanyahu asserted that Israel must maintain a security zone in southern Lebanon, emphasizing the necessity of staying there as long as it is required for Israel's security.

He has previously expressed his stance against withdrawing from southern Lebanon. Notably, the agreement reached between the US and Iran to end the conflict in West Asia also calls for an end to the war in Lebanon, where Israel is fighting the militant group Hezbollah.

What Map Did Israeli Military Release?

Meanwhile, the Israeli military has released a new map of its security zone in southern Lebanon. It stated that amidst the ongoing campaign against Hezbollah, its forces would not withdraw for the time being and would maintain control over the area in the near future. According to the map, Israeli military positions extend more than 10 kilometers into Lebanese territory in certain sections along the border. In a statement, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said that troops are deployed within the designated operational area in southern Lebanon and will continue efforts to neutralize threats and bolster the security of residents in northern Israel. The new map indicates that the Israeli military has further expanded its presence in southern Lebanon since the announcement of the "forward defense line" in April; this expansion includes areas near the outskirts of the city of Nabatieh.

What Did the Israel Military Say?

The military stated that it would maintain control over the area based on operational requirements and continue operations aimed at preventing potential threats along the border. The IDF has also urged the Lebanese army to coordinate its activities with Israeli forces and to refrain from entering the security zone while military operations are ongoing. The issue of Israel's military presence in southern Lebanon has resurfaced amidst ongoing direct talks between Jerusalem and Beirut regarding the deployment of the IDF and the activities of the Iran-backed Hezbollah. Delegations from both sides are expected to meet again next week. This issue has gained further significance following the public disclosure of a proposed 14-point Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at ending the conflict between Israel and Iran.

What is Iran's Objection?

Since the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanon is a key element of the proposed MoU, Iran has consistently maintained that the continued presence of the IDF in Lebanon violates the spirit of the agreement. The proposed provision regarding the IDF's withdrawal stipulates that the US, Iran, and their respective allies in the current conflict will declare an immediate and permanent cessation of military operations across all fronts and refrain from war, military action, the use of force, or threats to use force against one another. With specific reference to Lebanon, the proposal also states that they will pledge to uphold Lebanon's sovereignty and territorial integrity.