Israel Rejects Withdrawal From Southern Lebanon Despite U.S.-Iran Deal

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz has reiterated that Israeli forces will not withdraw from southern Lebanon, even if faced with American demands linked to the recent U.S.-Iran Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

Speaking after the announcement of the interim agreement, which calls for an immediate and permanent cessation of military operations on all fronts, including Lebanon, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said the deal would not alter Israel’s security posture in the region.

Katz stated that he and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remain committed to a clear security policy under which the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) will maintain an indefinite presence in designated security zones in Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza.

He said the continued deployment is intended to protect Israel’s borders and communities from what he described as jihadist threats.

Katz emphasised that these zones will be cleared of local residents and terror infrastructure, describing the control of these areas as one of the IDF’s major achievements.

He added that Israel has conveyed this position directly to U.S. President Donald Trump and senior American officials, including Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth.

The defiant stance risks complicating the implementation of the 14-point U.S.-Iran accord and broader regional de-escalation efforts.

Katz also warned that any Iranian attack on Israel over Lebanon would be met with full force.

Diplomatic tensions expected to rise as the 60-day negotiation window progresses.