Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz said that the Israeli army will not withdraw from the areas it occupies in southern Lebanon. Katz stated that the same stance applies to Syria and Gaza as well.
The statement came following the announcement of a peace agreement reportedly reached between the US and Iran. Katz was among those who argued that the agreement does not bind Israel.
Katz emphasized that Israel opposes withdrawing from southern Lebanon "despite all current and future pressures." He also claimed that the occupied areas will be "cleansed" of the local population.
The minister said this position was conveyed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to US President Donald Trump and other senior American officials. Katz also stated that he clearly communicated this to US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir also criticized the US-Iran agreement. Ben-Gvir claimed that Trump's agreement does not bind Tel Aviv.
On Sunday, Trump announced the completion of a peace agreement with Iran. The agreement reportedly includes a ceasefire on all fronts of the war, including Lebanon, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, and the end of the US naval blockade on Iran.
However, following the announcement, it was reported that the Israeli army continued airstrikes in southern Lebanon on Monday.
According to Lebanese officials, more than 3,700 people have died, approximately 11,500 have been injured, and over 1.5 million have been displaced since the attacks began on March 2.
