Beirut, Lebanon Israel said Monday it will not withdraw from security zones it has seized in Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza, raising doubts about whether a new U.S.-Iran agreement can halt fighting across the region.
The statement came after Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced an interim deal calling for the “immediate and permanent termination” of military operations on all fronts, including Lebanon. Reuters reported that the agreement is expected to be signed Friday in Switzerland, with technical talks on Iran’s nuclear program continuing over the next 60 days.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said Israel was not part of the deal and would keep troops in the security zones “indefinitely.” He also warned that Israel would respond with “great force” if Iran attacks.
The conflict has displaced about 1.2 million people in Lebanon, according to Reuters. Israeli operations have also cleared large areas near the border, with officials arguing the zones are needed to prevent Hezbollah attacks. Critics say the policy amounts to open-ended occupation and deepens the humanitarian crisis.
Lebanese authorities warned displaced residents not to rush home after the ceasefire announcement, citing destroyed infrastructure, unexploded ordnance, and the risk of renewed Israeli strikes. One resident told Reuters, “Frankly, we are hesitant; Israel cannot be trusted.”
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