Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Israeli forces will remain in southern Lebanon, despite the recently announced US-Iranian agreement that calls for an end to the fighting on all fronts and respect for Lebanon’s sovereignty.
Speaking on Thursday, Netanyahu said that Israel would continue to control the security zone it declared inside Lebanese territory.
“We will restore security and prosperity to the communities of the north,” Netanyahu said.
“This requires maintaining the security zone in southern Lebanon; it requires that we not withdraw from there as long as Israel’s security needs require it.”
His statements came as Israel Posted a map showing an enlarged view The area of military control in southern Lebanon, including areas outside the previously declared buffer sites. Reuters reported that this step challenges the provisions of the US-Iranian memorandum, which calls for respect for Lebanon’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.
According to Reuters, a senior Israeli official said that Israel is engaged in “stubborn negotiations” with the Trump administration regarding maintaining forces up to 10 kilometers inside southern Lebanon. The official indicated that Israel does not intend to abandon its position despite diplomatic pressure.
The dispute emerged just days after Washington and Tehran signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at ending months of regional conflict. The agreement is said to call for an end to hostilities in Lebanon and requires all parties to respect Lebanese sovereignty.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz also ruled out withdrawal. Earlier this week, he said that Israeli forces would continue to control security zones in Lebanon, Syria and Gaza.
“The Israeli army will remain in the security areas,” Katz said, adding that the army will continue to act against threats directed at Israel.
This policy has drawn criticism from Lebanese officials and Hezbollah, who insist that any permanent ceasefire must include a complete Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory. Reuters reported Hezbollah Secretary General Naim Qassem rejected the continued Israeli presence and declared:
“Israel must leave, and it will leave.”
The latest dispute highlights the growing gap between Israel’s security goals and the provisions of the US-Iran agreement. Reuters reported that the memorandum specifically calls for ensuring Lebanon’s sovereignty, while Israel continues to insist on maintaining military sites inside the country.
Regional analysts have done so Be warned The conflict may complicate efforts to transform the ceasefire into a broader political settlement. Supporters of the agreement believe that ending military operations in Lebanon is necessary to achieve stability in the region after months of widespread destruction and displacement.
The war has inflicted devastating damage on Lebanon. Reuters reported Nearly 4,000 people have been killed and about 1.2 million displaced since hostilities escalated earlier this year. Large areas of southern Lebanon, including towns near the border and parts of Nabatieh Governorate, were severely damaged by Israeli air strikes and military operations.
In Nabatieh, emergency workers continue to recover equipment and personal belongings from a building The Civil Defense headquarters was destroyed during the Israeli bombing. Lebanese officials said the facility was clearly marked as a civilian emergency center. Israel insists that its operations target Hezbollah sites and infrastructure.
Despite the ceasefire framework, tensions remain high. Reuters reported that Israel has not ruled out carrying out military operations outside its newly deployed security zone, while Hezbollah continues to oppose any long-term Israeli presence inside Lebanon.
For now, Netanyahu has made it clear that Israel will not leave southern Lebanon unless its security conditions are met. Critics say the continued military presence amounts to an occupation of Lebanese territory and risks undermining diplomatic efforts to end the ongoing war in southern Lebanon.
