Israels Netanyahu rules out withdrawal from occupied Lebanese territory

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reaffirmed that Israel will maintain its occupation of territory in Lebanon and Syria, despite a recent agreement between the United States and Iran. Netanyahu made the statement during a press conference on Monday, where he confirmed that Israeli forces will remain in the Lebanese security buffer zone for as long as necessary.

According to unconfirmed details, a memorandum of understanding between Iran and the US is set to be signed on Friday, which includes the immediate and permanent termination of military operations on all fronts, including in Lebanon. Netanyahu’s comments have added pressure to the already fragile ceasefire agreement.

Israel has been involved in a conflict with the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah since October 2023, resulting in over 3,000 deaths. The conflict escalated into a full-scale invasion of Lebanon, and Israel now occupies territory beyond the Litani River that runs across southern Lebanon.

Netanyahu stated that Israel will continue to target “Iran’s terror arms” and will need to maintain its presence against Iran. On Sunday, Israel launched a strike on Beirut’s suburbs, killing three people, which reportedly angered US President Donald Trump.

Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz has also reaffirmed that Israel will not withdraw from territory it has occupied since 2023. The two officials have expressed their commitment to maintaining the Israeli army in security zones in Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza without setting a time limit.

The agreement between Iran and the US is set to be signed on Friday, which includes provisions for the termination of military operations on all fronts, including in Lebanon.

Source: Al Jazeera