Israel refuses to leave Lebanon, vows to hit Iran 'with all our might' if Tehran attacks
Key Points:
- Israel's Defense Minister Israel Katz declared that Israeli forces will remain indefinitely in security zones in Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza to combat Iranian-backed Hezbollah terrorists and protect Israeli borders, rejecting any withdrawal despite a US-Iran peace deal announcement.
- Katz emphasized the destruction of Hezbollah's terror infrastructure in Lebanon as a major military achievement and warned that Israel would respond forcefully if Iran attacks due to events in Lebanon.
- Israeli politicians from across the spectrum criticized the Trump-brokered peace agreement with Iran, calling it a strategic failure that fails to address Israel's security concerns, with some rejecting any territorial concessions in Lebanon.
- The US-Iran deal reportedly includes Iran dismantling its highly enriched uranium stockpile, pledging not to develop nuclear weapons, ceasing funding of terrorist groups, and reopening the Strait of Hormuz immediately upon signing, with economic relief contingent on compliance.
- Iran views the agreement as a victory and American capitulation, with implementation pending a formal signing in Geneva and ongoing negotiations expected over the next 60 days concerning unresolved nuclear issues.