Israel: "We Will Not Leave Lebanon Until Hezbollah Is Disarmed"

Far-Right Finance Minister: "Will Refuse U.S. Withdrawal Request"

Lebanon Issue Emerges as Key Point in U.S.-Iran Follow-Up Talks

Yonhap News Agency

As the United States and Iran prepare for follow-up negotiations after the end of hostilities, the issue of Lebanon has emerged as the most contentious topic. Hardliners within the Israeli government have reiterated their stance that they will not withdraw from southern Lebanon until Hezbollah is disarmed.

Bezalel Smotrich, Israel's Finance Minister and a prominent far-right figure in the coalition government, stated in an interview with the conservative outlet Makor Rishon on June 20 (local time) that Israeli forces would remain stationed in a security zone within Lebanon for years and that they would not comply with a U.S. withdrawal request.

He clarified his commitment to a long-term deployment by saying, "I am speaking as someone involved in discussions about the national defense budget for the next ten years." He further stressed that Israeli forces would remain not only until Hezbollah is disarmed but also afterward to secure a defensible border, emphasizing the need to build military outposts and bases.

Minister Smotrich also addressed the possibility that the United States might demand a withdrawal, stating, "The United States understands our red lines," and declared, "We will not move even a millimeter until Hezbollah is disarmed." He insisted that this position is a shared view among the Israeli leadership, including the Prime Minister and the Defense Minister.

He also pointed out that many of the current Middle Eastern borders were established under the Sykes-Picot Agreement and argued that the present border system does not adequately reflect the realities of geography and security.

In contrast, Hezbollah and its supporter Iran are demanding an Israeli withdrawal, citing the provision in the U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding (MOU) on ending hostilities that calls for the cessation of military operations on all fronts, including Lebanon.

Diplomatic circles expect that at the follow-up negotiations between the U.S. and Iran to be held in Switzerland on June 21, the issues of Lebanon, the disarmament of Hezbollah, and whether Israeli forces will withdraw will be key agenda items for discussion.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.