Israel to keep troops in southern Lebanon, maintain security zone

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defence Minister Yoav Kac and senior army commanders agreed that Israel will continue to maintain a "security zone" in southern Lebanon and to dismantle terrorist infrastructure there. "IDF will continue to act decisively to thwart threats to our soldiers and civilians, destroy terrorist infrastructure and maintain the security zone in southern Lebanon," they said.

The decision comes after a recent cease‑fire with Hezbollah, during which Israeli strikes in Lebanon killed dozens of people. Israel also announced the lifting of gathering restrictions along the Lebanon border. Iran, a key backer of Hezbollah, has warned that a U.S.‑Iran peace agreement hinges on an end to fighting in Lebanon and the withdrawal of Israeli forces.