Israeli Prime Minister Says IDF Will Continue to Stay in Southern Lebanon

On the 18th local time, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu stated that the Israeli military will not withdraw from southern Lebanon and will continue to maintain a military presence in the "security zone" in southern Lebanon based on Israel's security needs.

On the same day, while attending an event in Jerusalem, Netanyahu said that Israel will restore security and prosperity in northern Israel, and achieving this goal requires maintaining the "security zone" in southern Lebanon. As long as Israel has security needs, the Israeli military will not withdraw from the "security zone."

Earlier on the 18th, the Israel Defense Forces issued a statement saying that due to operational needs, the Israel Defense Forces have deployed in the designated area in southern Lebanon, which is located about 10 kilometers within Lebanese territory.

Both Iran and the United States have released memorandums of understanding that include provisions for an immediate and permanent cessation of military operations on all fronts, including Lebanon, but Israel is not a signatory to the memorandum. Reports indicate that a senior Israeli official close to Netanyahu stated that Israel is currently engaged in "difficult negotiations" with the United States regarding the continued military presence in southern Lebanon.