Israel will not pull forces out of southern Lebanon, even if requested by US: War minister

Israeli minister of military affairs Israel Katz says the Tel Aviv regime "will not withdraw from southern Lebanon," even in the event of a request made by the administration of US President Donald Trump.

His defiance comes despite Article 1 of the US-Iran memorandum of understanding—signed on June 17—which explicitly requires the "immediate and permanent termination of military operations on all fronts, including in Lebanon" and commits all parties to ensuring Lebanon's territorial integrity and sovereignty.

Since the MOU took effect on June 18, Israel has not only maintained its occupation but has continued relentless airstrikes in southern Lebanon.

Katz stated on Wednesday that "200,000 residents will not be permitted to return" to the areas near the border with the Israeli-occupied territories, effectively annexing a 10-kilometer-deep security zone.

The minister sought to manufacture a pretext for his regime's intransigence, cynically invoking Israel's previous experiences to dress up occupation as security necessity.

"Historically, security zones that included civilian populations have turned into targets for bombings and assaults on our soldiers. We will not permit that to occur again," he claimed.

Regarding Israel's demolition activities in southern Lebanon, Katz said, "The infrastructure has been devastated, and the houses are compromised and unsafe. We are not withdrawing."

Israeli officials have been explicit and belligerent in their rejection of the agreement, leaving no doubt that Israel is doing everything in its power to wreck the MOU.

So-called security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir declared that "Trump's agreement does not bind us. Israel is not subject to the United States."

Terrorist finance minister Bezalel Smotrich, whose party holds the balance of power in Netanyahu's coalition, flatly stated that "Israel is not part of the US-Iran negotiations and would continue operations in Lebanon until Hezbollah is fully dismantled."

The statements come as Israeli forces stationed in southern Lebanon are experiencing "frustration, stagnation, and operational paralysis" as they find themselves "hostage to extensive diplomatic maneuvers," according to a report by the Israeli newspaper Haaretz on Wednesday, which referenced military commanders.

In light of the ongoing negotiations between the United States and Iran, which also include Israel's offensive against Lebanon, military leaders contend that the Israeli army has become entangled in diplomatic progress.

The Haaretz report noted that "the army has almost completely refrained in recent days from carrying out proactive field operations, contrary to public pledges by the political leadership."

Washington's response to Israel's defiance has been one of paralysis. While Vice President JD Vance criticized Israeli attacks on Beirut that disrupted peace talks, the administration has taken no concrete action to enforce the MOU's Lebanon clause.

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Katz persist in issuing strong declarations regarding the necessity of maintaining "absolute freedom of action" in Lebanon.

"However, the actual situation on the ground, as disclosed in discussions with various senior officers, indicates a starkly different reality," the newspaper noted.

Attacks on Lebanon 'red line'; Iran to respond to Israeli violations: Senior diplomat

Senior Iranian diplomat describes Lebanon as an unquestionable part of the recently signed memorandum of understanding between the Islamic Republic and the US.

Israel has occupied regions in southern Lebanon, with some areas under its control for decades and others since the onslaught that occurred between 2023 and 2024.

In the course of its ongoing military offensives, Israeli forces have moved over 10 kilometers into Lebanese territory.

"Field commanders and officers within the army's Northern Command express a profound sense of frustration, experiencing a condition of stagnation and operational paralysis due to the uncertainty stemming from actions taken by the political leadership," the newspaper reported.

Iran has already demonstrated its resolve, striking Israel when it crossed Tehran's red lines by bombing Beirut and continuing its airstrikes despite the ceasefire.

On June 20, just two days after the MOU took effect, Iran reclosed the Strait of Hormuz, citing "the US's clear violation of the principle of good faith and breach of promises, including non-compliance with Article 1 of the peace MOU, and to the Israeli regime's persistent violations of agreements and failure to withdraw from southern Lebanon."

As of March 2, 2026, Israel has been conducting an invasion against Lebanon, resulting in the deaths of 4,192 individuals, injuries to 12,171, and the displacement of over 1 million people, based on figures from Lebanon.

Press TV’s website can also be accessed at the following alternate addresses:

www.presstv.ir