Israel says it will keep troops in southern Lebanon despite US‑Iran cease‑fire deal

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz announced that Israel has no intention of withdrawing its forces from southern Lebanon, even as the United States and Iran publicised an agreement to end the war in the Middle East. The deal, expected to be signed in Switzerland on 19 June, includes a cease‑fire that covers Lebanon. Katz warned that Israel will respond if Iran or its allies attack, and said the army will maintain its presence in security zones indefinitely, targeting terrorist infrastructure. A drone strike on Sunday killed a driver in a Lebanese vehicle during the ongoing operations.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun welcomed the US‑Iran agreement, urging that it respect Lebanon’s sovereignty, stability and the safety of its people. He called for the accord to translate into practical measures that end the cycle of violence and enable reconstruction.