Israel Defies US, Vows to Stay in Lebanon 'As Long As Necessary' After New Attack

Israel launched a drone attack on a car in Lebanon's Kfar Tebnit region on Thursday, killing one person and seriously wounding another, according to the Lebanese state news agency NNA. This strike occurred despite a new agreement signed between the US and Iran that calls for an immediate and permanent cessation of military operations on all fronts, including in Lebanon, and respect for Lebanon's sovereignty.

Israel, however, has not joined the agreement and has no plans to do so. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel will remain in Lebanon "as long as necessary" and reserves the right to act to "avert attacks." Defense Minister Israel Katz also ruled out withdrawal from what he described as an Israeli security zone in the neighboring country, stating, "We oppose the military withdrawing from Lebanon, despite all current and future pressure."

Nearly 3,700 people have been killed in Israeli attacks on Lebanon, with 1.2 million Lebanese displaced according to the UN. On the Israeli side, 28 soldiers have been killed. The UN has announced it will send investigators to Lebanon this week to assess possible war crimes and violations of international law.

Iran has made it clear that the agreement with the US requires Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon and a halt to attacks. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi emphasized that the "most important point" of the agreement is the cessation of the war, but stated, "If Israeli forces do not withdraw from the territories they have occupied during this war, the war has not completely ended." The EU and Norway have expressed support for this stance, with EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stating, "There will be no peace in the Middle East while Lebanon is in flames." Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide echoed this, calling it "crucial that the agreement also applies to Lebanon, which has been very hard hit in recent months."