Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz announced that the United States has not demanded that Israel withdraw its troops from southern Lebanon, a condition set by Lebanon in ongoing ceasefire negotiations. Katz emphasized that Israel has no intention of withdrawing and that there is currently no American demand for such a withdrawal.
Diplomatic Stance
In an interview at a convention of local leaders in Tel Aviv, Katz clarified Israel's diplomatic position. He stated, 'We have announced that in any case we are not withdrawing and, as of this moment -- and this is a diplomatic achievement -- there is no American demand for Israel to withdraw from Lebanon.'
Security Concerns
When questioned about whether the Israeli army would adhere to a US request if one were made, Katz explained that he and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had informed US officials, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and President Donald Trump, that 'we are there to protect the residents of the north' of Israel.
Lebanese and Iranian Positions
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun rejected Israel's occupation of southern Lebanon and criticized foreign interference in his country's affairs, an allusion to Hezbollah's backer Iran. Meanwhile, Tehran has reiterated that peace in Lebanon is fundamental to reaching a definitive agreement with Washington for an overall end to the Middle East war.
Ongoing Negotiations
Israel and Lebanon are currently engaged in a US-mediated round of talks in Washington aimed at seeking a diplomatic solution to the conflict. The discussions also focus on the disarmament of Hezbollah and the withdrawal of Israeli troops. Israeli officials have insisted that the country will retain control of the 10-kilometre security zone in southern Lebanon.
