Israel said yesterday its forces would not withdraw from southern Lebanon, saying the deal between Washington and Tehran ‘does not bind us in any way’.
Lebanon has been a key sticking point in the negotiations, with Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah still exchanging fire despite US calls for a ceasefire.
While Hezbollah welcomed the US-Iran memorandum of understanding – expected to be signed on Friday – Benjamin Netanyahu insisted Israeli troops would remain in Lebanon ‘as long as necessary’.
In a press conference yesterday, the Israeli prime minister said his country would maintain the freedom of action needed to thwart attacks coming from Lebanon: ‘We have created a buffer zone, a security zone. We’ll remain there as long as necessary. I stood firm on this point. I was truly adamant about this and I think our American friends respected this.’
A US official also said Israel’s withdrawal from Lebanon was excluded from any deal between the US and Iran, adding: ‘The deal is a ceasefire, and it will not be a one-way ceasefire, meaning if Iran is not able to control Hezbollah, and if they attack Israeli positions or towns, Israel will have the right to defend itself and respond.’
