Israel Says Will Not Withdraw From South Lebanon

Israel's defense minister, Israel Katz, has firmly stated that the Israeli military will not withdraw from its positions in South Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza. This declaration signals a strong rejection of international diplomatic efforts, including a recently announced US-brokered agreement with Iran. Katz emphasized that external pressures will not alter Israel's current defensive deployments, asserting the military's indefinite presence in security zones to protect Israeli citizens.

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The IDF will remain indefinitely in security zones in Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza to protect Israeli citizens.

Jerusalem has reportedly communicated its refusal to comply with international withdrawal timelines directly to US President Donald Trump. Katz reinforced this hardline stance, stating, "We firmly oppose withdrawing from Lebanon, a position made clear to the US." He also issued a stern warning to Tehran, declaring, "If Iran attacks over Lebanon, Israel will strike back with full force." The defense minister reiterated Israel's rejection of withdrawal despite all pressures, noting that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu conveyed this to President Trump.

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We firmly oppose withdrawing from Lebanon, a position made clear to the US.

Adding to the assertive posture, Israel's National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir declared that the country is not bound by external diplomatic understandings and maintains its absolute sovereignty. He posted on social media, "Trump's agreement does not bind us. Israel is not subject to the United States, and we are an independent and sovereign nation!" Ben-Gvir warned against succumbing to international pressure, citing historical precedents where compliance led to severe domestic consequences, referencing the Oslo Accords as an example.

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If Iran attacks over Lebanon, Israel will strike back with full force.