Israel is negotiating with the U.S. on the issue of retaining troops in Lebanon.

Xinhua News Agency, Beijing, June 19 - Two Israeli officials revealed on the 18th that Israel is firmly seeking to maintain its military presence in southern Lebanon and is in discussions with the United States on this issue.

One Israeli official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Reuters that Israel is "engaging in negotiations to maintain its position" with the U.S. Israel's stance will not compromise, including the continued deployment of troops in the area south of the Litani River in Lebanon.

Another anonymous Israeli official stated that the outcome of the negotiations ultimately depends on whether U.S. President Trump decides to "apply strong pressure" on the issue of troop presence and threatens Israel that "if it does not comply with the terms of the U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding, the U.S. will take corresponding measures."

The Israeli Prime Minister's Office has not yet responded to the above reports.

In the memorandum of understanding text released by both the U.S. and Iran on the 17th, there are clauses regarding the immediate and permanent cessation of military actions on all fronts, including Lebanon, which explicitly mention respecting Lebanon's territorial integrity and national sovereignty.

Additionally, according to a report from Lebanon's "Al-Masira" television on the 18th, the Israeli military launched attacks on two locations in southern Lebanon that day. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Baghaei stated on the 18th that if Israel continues to attack Lebanon, it will be seen as a violation of U.S. commitments. (Liu Jiang)