Israeli DM says military to remain in Southern Lebanon indefinitely despite pressures

Jerusalem: Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz on Monday said that the country will maintain an indefinite military presence in the security zone it holds in southern Lebanon and will not withdraw despite existing and future pressures.

His remarks came despite the highly anticipated signing of a peace agreement between the United States and Iran, which is also expected to end fighting between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon, Xinhua news agency reported.

Katz said the policy, which also applies to the Israeli security zones in Syria and the Gaza Strip, is aimed at protecting Israeli border communities and preventing future strikes.

According to Katz, areas under Israeli control will remain cleared of residents and “terrorist” infrastructure, including buildings allegedly used by militant groups.

Katz said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has conveyed Israel’s position to senior US officials, including President Donald Trump.

The Israeli minister also warned Iran against attacking Israel over developments in Lebanon, saying any such move would be met with a forceful Israeli response.

Meanwhile, the Israeli military’s Home Front Command has lifted the restriction on gatherings to a maximum of 5,000 people in all regions of the country.

The restriction was imposed on Sunday evening, following Iran’s threats to respond with missile fire to the Israeli military’s attack on Hezbollah in the southern suburbs of Beirut.

According to Israeli media reports, Iran has been persuaded by the United States to refrain from launching missiles at Israel, amid the conclusion of the US-Iran negotiations and the expected signing of the peace deal.

Earlier in the day, US President Donald Trump announced that the United States and Iran had completed a deal that would reopen the Strait of Hormuz and end the US naval blockade, marking what he described as a major breakthrough after months of conflict that rattled global energy markets and raised fears of a wider regional war.

“The Deal with the Islamic Republic of Iran is now complete. Congratulations to all!” Trump said in a post on social media.

–IANS