Israel rejects Trump-signed deal, vows indefinite military presence in Lebanon, Syria, Gaza

Israel's National Security Minister Itam Ben-Gvir has publicly rejected an agreement signed by Donald Trump, asserting that it does not obligate Israel and emphasizing the nation's status as an independent and sovereign state, not a "banana republic." Ben-Gvir stated that Israel is not a partner to the deal because it fails to guarantee the country's security. This declaration signals a refusal to recognize the current terms of the agreement and any future outcomes, particularly concerning negotiations expected in two months regarding a potential peace treaty.

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The agreement signed by Trump does not bind us in any way. We are not a colony of the USA. We are an independent and sovereign state... we are not a banana republic.

Foreign Minister Israel Katz reinforced this position, detailing that both he and Prime Minister Netanyahu have a clear policy: the Israeli army will remain in security zones within Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza indefinitely. This indefinite military presence is intended to protect Israel's borders and its communities from what they term "jihadists." This stance effectively nullifies a critical component of the agreement concerning Lebanon, highlighting a significant divergence between Israeli policy and the U.S.-brokered deal.

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We are not partners in this agreement that does not guarantee our security.

The article frames this situation as an unprecedented public humiliation for the United States and its president, questioning America's ability to enforce its political lines or agreements, even with its long-standing ally. The report suggests that if Prime Minister Netanyahu cannot extricate himself from his governing coalition, which relies on far-right, ultra-religious parties, the core of a future Middle East conflict will become clearer. This potential conflict could be dire, as Israel might find itself isolated without U.S. support while facing severe international accusations of war crimes and genocide, compounded by a recent UN Secretary-General's report.

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Both I and Prime Minister Netanyahu have a clear policy whereby the Israeli army will remain in the security zones in Lebanon, in Syria and in Gaza for an unlimited period for the protection of the border and Israeli communities against jihadists.