Netanyahu Rules Out Israeli Withdrawal from Lebanon

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected the possibility of withdrawing Israeli troops from the security zone in southern Lebanon, saying the army will remain in the area for as long as Israel's security needs require, the Jerusalem Post reports.

The statement came amid growing tensions between Israel and the United States following the US-Iran agreement, which also calls for an end to hostilities in Lebanon.

The Israeli military has released a map of the security zone, which extends approximately 10 km into Lebanese territory. Israel says the zone is intended to prevent Hezbollah attacks and arms smuggling.

US President Donald Trump has repeatedly suggested that Israel should adopt a more moderate approach and scale back large-scale operations in Lebanon. According to sources close to Netanyahu, however, Israel has no intention of backing down from its security demands and is engaged in tough negotiations with Washington over its continued military presence in the region.

(mja)