Netanyahu says Israel will remain in Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel will continue its occupation of Lebanese and Syrian territory, despite a US-Iran ceasefire agreement. Netanyahu announced at a press conference that Israeli forces will remain in Lebanon, occupying approximately 570 square kilometers, as long as deemed necessary for security. This stance comes as a memorandum of understanding, reportedly including the termination of military operations in Lebanon, is expected to be signed by Iran and the US. Israel has been engaged in conflict with Hezbollah since October 2023, which escalated into a full-scale invasion of Lebanon. Netanyahu indicated Israel will continue to target "Iran's terror arms" and maintain its presence to counter Iran.

Israel is reacting with a mix of caution and criticism to a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between President Trump and Iran, which reportedly ends the war and halts military operations. While Prime Minister Netanyahu has not yet commented, Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that the IDF will not withdraw from southern Lebanon, emphasizing Israel's security interests. Experts express concern over the unclear details of the deal, particularly regarding Iran's nuclear program and missile capabilities. Opposition leader Yair Lapid criticized the agreement, claiming it fails to achieve Israel's war goals. Israeli officials have conveyed their security concerns to U.S. counterparts, with some asserting that Israel is not bound by the MOU.

Israel's Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that Israeli forces will not withdraw from territory seized in southern Lebanon. This comes after the US and Iran announced a preliminary agreement to end hostilities in the Middle East, pending a final settlement in approximately two months. The interim deal, which includes a ceasefire in Lebanon, has reportedly caused anger and concern among Israeli officials who were not involved in the negotiations. Despite the agreement, Israel intends to maintain its presence in occupied territories indefinitely and has warned of strong retaliation if Iran attacks in response to Israeli actions in Lebanon. The exact details of the US-Iran agreement remain unclear, but it appears to include a halt to Hezbollah's attacks on Israel.