Netanyahu rules out Israeli troop withdrawal from southern Lebanon

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday ruled out a withdrawal of Israeli troops from southern Lebanon for the foreseeable future.In a speech, Netanyahu described the “security zone” established by the Israeli military as a barrier between the Hezbollah militia in Lebanon and civilians and communities in northern Israel.Israel would not withdraw as long as its security needs required a military presence there, he said.The Lebanese government, however, considers the area controlled by Israel to be Lebanese territory under illegal occupation.The framework agreement reached between the United States and Iran calls for a comprehensive end to military conflicts across the region but does not contain an explicit provision requiring the withdrawal of Israeli troops from southern Lebanon.The Hezbollah militia in Lebanon is Iran’s most important regional ally.