Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said on Monday that Israeli forces would remain stationed in southern Lebanon, and warned that any Iranian attack on Israel would be met “with full force,” making it clear that Jerusalem does not intend to alter its security policy despite the recently agreed upon US-Iran MOU.
His comments came after US and Iranian officials announced they had agreed on a framework for a deal expected to halt the conflict and pave the way for negotiations on Iran’s nuclear programme. According to Iranian and Pakistani sources, the proposed agreement also includes a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, the Iran-backed group operating in Lebanon, reports Times Of Israel.
There was no immediate response from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. However, members of his governing coalition indicated that Israel would not be bound by provisions negotiated without its participation, while opposition figures accused the government of failing to secure Israel’s objectives and undermining the sacrifices made by the military.
Although Israel and the US jointly launched the war, Israel has not been directly involved in the latest negotiations.
The reported framework seemingly falls short of several of Jerusalem’s goals which have been repeatedly outlined by Israeli leaders, including dismantling Iran’s nuclear programme, reducing its ballistic missile capabilities, ending support for regional proxy groups like Hezbollah, and Hamas, and paving way for the downfall of the Islamic Republic.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Monday that the ongoing IDF operations in southern Lebanon must stop completely and that Washington bears direct responsibility for implementing the agreement. According to posts on his Telegram account, Araghchi delivered the message during separate conversations with the foreign ministers of Turkey, Iraq and Egypt.
Katz, however, made clear that Israel had no intention of withdrawing from areas under its control in southern Lebanon.
“Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and I are leading a clear policy that determines that the IDF will remain in the security zones in Lebanon, Syria and Gaza, without any time limit, to protect the border and Israeli communities from there against jihadist elements,” he said in a statement.
He added that the security zones would be cleared of residents and that all militant infrastructure, both above and below ground, would be removed.
“We will not compromise on Israel’s security interests and the protection of our citizens, and we will not withdraw from the security zones,” Katz said.
He also issued a direct warning to Tehran.
“If Iran attacks Israel because of the events in Lebanon, we will strike it with full force,” he said.
