Israel Refuses to Commit to Lebanon Withdrawal, Engages in Stubborn Talks with US

Israeli officials revealed on June 18 that Israel is engaged in negotiations with the United States over maintaining military deployment in southern Lebanon, with no intention of compromising on its position. According to senior Israeli officials close to Prime Minister Netanyahu, Israel is conducting what they describe as "obstinate negotiations" with Washington regarding continued military presence south of the Litani River in Lebanon.

The negotiations occur against the backdrop of a US-Iran preliminary agreement announced on June 17, which includes clauses requiring immediate and permanent cessation of military operations on all fronts, including Lebanon, and explicitly calls for respect of Lebanese territorial integrity and sovereignty. Iran's foreign ministry spokesman Baghaei stated on June 18 that any continued Israeli strikes on Lebanon would be viewed as a violation of US commitments. Lebanese media also reported Israeli military attacks on southern Lebanese locations on the same day.

One Israeli official told Reuters that the outcome of negotiations ultimately depends on whether US President Trump decides to pressure Israel to comply with the US-Iran memorandum of understanding. Another Israeli official emphasized that Israel will continue deploying forces south of the Litani River and will not concede on this position. Despite international pressure and the terms of the US-Iran agreement, Israel has refused to withdraw from the Lebanese territory it occupies.

The Israeli Prime Minister's office did not respond to requests for comment regarding the negotiations or the reports of military operations in southern Lebanon. The stance reflects a fundamental disagreement between Israel's security interests in maintaining a buffer zone in southern Lebanon and the international agreements calling for an end to military operations in the region.