Israel: If Hezbollah Does Not Disarm, IDF Will Not Withdraw from Lebanon
On June 27, Xinhua News Agency reported from Jerusalem (reporters Pang Xinyi and Wang Zhuolun) that Israeli Defense Minister Katz issued a video statement on the 27th, stating that an important principle included in the tripartite framework agreement signed by Israel, the United States, and Lebanon the day before is that as long as Hezbollah is not disarmed within Lebanon, Israel will not withdraw its troops from Lebanon.
Katz stated that he and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu have instructed the Israel Defense Forces to prepare for a long-term presence in the "security zone" in southern Lebanon. Israel will continue to maintain its "security zone" in southern Lebanon, which is free of residents and armed infrastructure, while ensuring the IDF's "freedom of action" to eliminate threats against Israeli soldiers and civilians.
On the 26th, Israel, the United States, and Lebanon concluded a new round of ceasefire and withdrawal negotiations in Washington that lasted four days and announced the achievement of a tripartite framework agreement. Katz stated that this agreement is expected to shape a new reality of greater security for Israel's northern border and Lebanon for the first time in "decades," while also delivering a "strategic blow" to the "Iran-led camp."
Katz threatened that if Iran attempts to attack Israel to prevent the implementation of the tripartite framework agreement, Israel will respond with "overwhelming force."
On the 27th, Israel's public broadcasting company reported that the tripartite framework agreement includes a pilot plan, whereby the IDF will withdraw from two areas located on either side of the Litani River in southern Lebanon. After the IDF's withdrawal, the Lebanese army will deploy to the aforementioned two areas accompanied by U.S. forces. The report also stated that the tripartite framework agreement outlines matters such as the disposal of Hezbollah's underground infrastructure in southern Lebanon, curbing the military expansion of Hezbollah, and initiating land border negotiations between Israel and Lebanon.
Israel's Defense Minister stated that Israel will not withdraw its military from Lebanon as long as Hezbollah remains armed. On June 26, a tripartite framework agreement was signed in Washington between Israel, the U.S., and Lebanon, outlining military withdrawal and security arrangements. Israel is preparing for a long-term presence in southern Lebanon and aims to establish a new security reality along its northern border.
- Israel will not withdraw from Lebanon as long as Hezbollah is armed.
- A tripartite framework agreement was signed between Israel, the U.S., and Lebanon.
- Israel is preparing for a long-term military presence in southern Lebanon.
- The agreement aims to shape a new security reality along Israel's northern border.
- Israel threatens strong military response if Iran attacks to prevent the agreement's implementation.