Israel Declares It Will Remain in Lebanon, Rejects US‑Iran Negotiations

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said Israel is not a participant in the United States‑Iran talks and will continue its full military operations in Lebanon until Hezbollah is "fully dismantled," not merely disarmed. He emphasized that Israel will not withdraw from the security zone, including areas such as Beaufort Castle, while Hezbollah remains a threat.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated the government’s resolve to press forward with operations in Gaza and Rafah despite U.S. cautions, stating that Israel will act according to its own security assessments. He also referenced ongoing discussions between Lebanese and Israeli ambassadors about pilot zones that could involve Israeli military withdrawal and Lebanese army deployment.