Israel says it will not withdraw from Lebanon, Syria or Gaza despite US‑Iran cease‑fire deal

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz told the press that Tel Aviv will not retreat from any territory it has captured, saying the army will remain in the "security zone" of Lebanon, as well as in parts of Syria and the Gaza Strip indefinitely to protect Israel’s borders from jihadist elements. Right‑wing security minister Itamar Ben‑Gvir reinforced the stance, declaring on Telegram that “the Trump agreement does not bind us” and that Israel is a sovereign nation not subordinate to the United States.

Israeli forces continued a series of raids in southern Lebanon after the United States and Iran announced a cease‑fire agreement, scheduled to be signed in Switzerland with Pakistan acting as mediator. The attacks included airstrikes on Khiam and Kfar Tebnit, artillery fire on Kfar Tebnit, Nabatieh al‑Fawqa and nearby areas, and the use of a remote‑controlled explosive‑laden vehicle on a road between Haris and Tibnin, resulting in injuries. Officials warned that Israel would respond if Iran retaliated, indicating the cease‑fire’s fragility.

The United States‑Iran treaty aims to halt military operations on all fronts for an initial 60‑day period, but the ongoing Israeli operations in Lebanon threaten the implementation of the agreement.