Israel refuses US demand to withdraw troops from southern Lebanon

Israel's defence minister said the Israeli army will not pull back from the security zones it has established in southern Lebanon and Syria, even if the United States presses for a withdrawal. The minister explained that the long‑term security framework requires Israeli forces to remain inside hostile territory to protect Israeli cities, and that the zones will stay in place until Hezbollah is disarmed. Civilian return to the zones is barred, and Israel aims to keep its control to keep pressure on its adversaries.

Despite repeated US requests, Israeli officials stress that the policy will not change, signalling a firm stance in the volatile Israel‑Lebanon border region.