Key facts
- Israel plans to remain indefinitely in territories seized in Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza.
- Israel stated it is not bound by a preliminary US-Iran ceasefire agreement.
- Israeli ministers criticized the US-Iran deal and called for continued military pressure in southern Lebanon.
- The preliminary deal aims to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and negotiate Iran's nuclear program.
Israel's defense minister, Israel Katz, stated that the country will not withdraw from territories seized in Lebanon, Syria, and the Gaza Strip, indicating plans to occupy them indefinitely. These remarks followed the announcement of a preliminary agreement between the United States and Iran aimed at ending hostilities on all fronts in the Middle East.
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir asserted that Israel is an independent and sovereign nation not bound by the US-Iran deal, emphasizing the need to dismantle Hezbollah and clear captured territories of terror infrastructure. Defense Minister Katz echoed this sentiment, stating the Israeli Defense Forces will remain in the security zones indefinitely and will destroy all terrorist infrastructure.
Katz also warned of a forceful Israeli response if Iran retaliates against continued strikes in Lebanon. The preliminary deal between the US and Iran is expected to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, potentially lowering gas prices, and initiate a 60-day timeframe for negotiations regarding Iran's nuclear program. President Trump cautioned Israel against jeopardizing the finalization of the peace deal.