Israeli Finance Minister Insists on Continued Military Presence in Lebanon Despite US-Iran Agreement
Israel’s Finance Minister has declared that the country has no intention of withdrawing from Lebanon and will continue its military presence in the south of the country. This stance contradicts the recent agreement between Iran and the United States, which, according to American officials, includes an immediate and permanent ceasefire across all fronts, including Lebanon.
Bezalel Smotrich, Finance Minister in Benjamin Netanyahu’s cabinet, responded to the agreement by emphasizing that “there will be no withdrawal; not on Friday nor afterward.” He added that Israel will continue its military operations regardless of external pressures and will not concede on this matter.
According to the senior Israeli official, Israeli forces will remain deep inside southern Lebanon—eight, nine, or even ten kilometers in—for an extended period, with the mission of “eliminating any threat.” These remarks have sparked criticism as many observers view Israel’s continued military presence in Lebanese territory as a violation of the country’s national sovereignty.
In contrast, JD Vance, the US Vice President, announced early Wednesday that the agreement with Iran is a regional peace deal that, if fully implemented, could transform West Asia. He affirmed that the agreement encompasses all fronts, including Lebanon.
US President Donald Trump also addressed the Israel-Hezbollah conflict at the Group of Seven summit in France yesterday, stating that the extensive destruction of residential buildings on the pretext of targeting a single individual is unjustifiable, as these buildings house civilians.
Despite these positions, Israeli officials’ insistence on expanding their military presence in Lebanon raises questions about the practical future of the agreement and the prospects for reducing tensions in the region.
