Smotrich: IDF will remain in Lebanon for years, won’t withdraw even if US demands it

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich declared that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) will maintain a presence in Lebanon for an extended period, potentially years, irrespective of any demands from the United States. Smotrich emphasized that Israeli troops will not withdraw until Hezbollah is disarmed and even beyond that point.

Smotrich asserted that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu shares this view, indicating a unified government stance on the prolonged military engagement in Lebanon. This firm position underscores Israel's strategic objectives concerning the northern border and the threat posed by Hezbollah.

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IDF will remain in Lebanon for years, won’t withdraw even if US demands it

The minister's statement arrives as Iranian and American delegations are converging in Switzerland for discussions aimed at reaching a final agreement. The timing suggests a potential connection between the diplomatic efforts and Israel's military posture in the region, although the specific nature of this link remains unstated.

The declaration highlights the deep-seated tensions and the complex geopolitical dynamics at play in the region. Smotrich's remarks signal a commitment to a long-term security strategy that prioritizes the disarmament of Hezbollah above external pressures.

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troops to stay until Hezbollah disarms and even after that, says PM agrees