Israeli minister: Israel not bound by US-Iran agreement

Senior Israeli officials, including National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, and Defense Minister Israel Katz, have also rejected the US-Iran agreement. Ben-Gvir emphasized Israel's sovereignty and independence in security decisions, stating that "Trump's agreement does not bind us. Israel is not subject to the United States, and we are an independent and sovereign nation." He argued that Israel's security decisions should not be shaped by international pressure, referencing past agreements as examples where succumbing to such pressure led to negative outcomes. Ben-Gvir mentioned that he has consistently communicated these views to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Smotrich called the agreement 'bad for Israel and the entire free world' and said Israel must continue the campaign to topple the regime itself. Katz stated Israel will not withdraw from seized territory in Lebanon and will retaliate if Iran attacks it over events in Lebanon.

Gamliel also signaled that Israel intends to maintain its military presence in parts of southern Lebanon, stating, "Realistically, we are deeply entrenched inside Lebanon, and we do not intend to withdraw from the areas we have controlled up to the Litani River and Beaufort Castle." She added that residents would not be allowed to return to those areas until Hezbollah was disarmed.