Israel refuses to withdraw troops from Lebanon, rejects US‑Iran deal

Israel's defence minister Israel Katz announced that Israeli forces will remain in Lebanon, Syria and the Gaza Strip for an indefinite period, saying the troops are needed to protect the border and Israeli towns from what he called "jihadism". The minister added that the recently announced US‑Iran peace agreement, brokered by former President Donald Trump, does not bind Israel and the country will not comply with its provisions. Internal security minister Itamar Ben‑Gvir echoed the stance, asserting Israel's sovereignty and refusal to be a partner in a deal that does not safeguard its security. The declaration follows recent Israeli air and artillery strikes on Hezbollah positions in Lebanon, including an attack on An‑Nabatija and a drone strike on a vehicle in Tibnin, which injured several people. The US‑Iran agreement, signed on 14 June and slated for formal signing on 19 June in Switzerland, aimed at an immediate cease‑fire on all fronts, but Israel's refusal threatens its implementation and raises tensions in the region.