Israel Refuses To Withdraw Military From Lebanon, Slams US-Iran Agreement

Tel Aviv: A new turn has emerged in West Asian politics following the peace agreement between the US and Iran. Israel has made it clear that it will not withdraw its forces from southern Lebanon. It has also conveyed this stance to US President Donald Trump.

What is Israel's Security Policy?

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that the Israeli military (IDF) would remain deployed indefinitely in the security zones established in Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza. He maintains that withdrawing from these areas would pose a threat to the safety of Israeli citizens.

Katz said, "We strongly oppose withdrawing from Lebanon. This has been clearly communicated to the US." Warning Iran, he added that any attack on Israel from the Lebanon front would be met with a response using full force. According to Israeli media, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has also made it clear to US President Trump that Israel will not end its military presence in southern Lebanon due to any international pressure. Israel's reaction comes at a time when US President Donald Trump has announced the conclusion of an agreement between the US and Iran.

What is Israel's stance on US-Iran truce?

Israel's National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir also criticized the US-Iran agreement, stating that it is not binding on Israel. He wrote on social media that Israel is an independent and sovereign nation. "Our primary responsibility is the safety of our citizens and soldiers, not adherence to an external agreement," he said. Ben-Gvir noted that Israel has paid a price in the past for yielding to international pressure and that such a mistake would not be repeated. He asserted that there is no question of withdrawing from any territory without completely eliminating Hezbollah and destroying the terrorist infrastructure.