Israel Retains Lebanese Territory

Israel Retains Lebanese Territory

Israel's Defense Minister, Israel Katz, announced on Monday that Israeli forces will not withdraw from territory seized in southern Lebanon, following an interim agreement between the United States and Iran to end hostilities. This declaration came hours after the U.S.

and Iran reached a preliminary deal to cease Middle East conflicts, pending a final settlement within approximately two months. The agreement, which reportedly includes a ceasefire in Lebanon, has prompted concern among Israeli officials.

The interim deal, whose specific terms remain undisclosed, is expected to be formally signed by Iranian and U.S. officials in Geneva on Friday.

While the agreement appears to explicitly include a ceasefire in Lebanon, where Israel launched an offensive against Hezbollah, Israeli media has described the outcome as an "abject failure" for efforts to prevent linking the deal to halting Israeli attacks. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who previously supported diplomatic efforts to end the conflict, has not yet commented publicly on the interim agreement.

Katz stated that Israel intends to maintain its presence indefinitely in lands held in Lebanon, as well as territories in Syria and the Gaza Strip. He also warned of a strong Israeli response if Iran retaliates against Israeli strikes in Lebanon.

Following the announcement, relative calm was observed in southern Lebanon, with Hezbollah's attacks on Israeli targets ceasing and Israeli military operations significantly reduced. Hezbollah, which has close ties to Tehran, has not officially commented but has previously supported Iran's efforts for a Lebanese ceasefire.