Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday ruled out the withdrawal of Israeli troops from southern Lebanon for the next few days.
In his speech, Netanyahu described the “security zone” established by the Israeli army as a barrier between Hezbollah militants in Lebanon and civilians and communities in northern Israel.
Israel will not withdraw as long as its security needs require a military presence there, he said.
The Lebanese government, however, considers the territory controlled by Israel to be Lebanese territory under illegal occupation.
The framework agreement reached between the United States and Iran calls for a comprehensive cessation of hostilities throughout the region but does not contain an explicit provision requiring the withdrawal of Israeli troops from southern Lebanon.
The Hezbollah militia in Lebanon is Iran’s most important regional ally.
