Netanyahu to Trump: We are not obligated by the agreement and will not withdraw from Lebanon

SadaNews: In a significant political and security development, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu informed U.S. President Donald Trump that Israel will not withdraw from Southern Lebanon, emphasizing that the Israeli army will continue to remain positioned in its current locations, and that Tel Aviv does not see itself as obligated to the proposals regarding this issue.

Israeli sources - according to Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper - indicated that Netanyahu stressed to Trump that any attempt to link the Lebanese arena to agreements with Iran is "unacceptable", reiterating Israel's rejection of what he termed "Iranian dictates" concerning its military presence in Lebanon. He confirmed that operations against Hezbollah will continue, including the destruction of its infrastructure and responding to any attack targeting Israel.

The Israeli stance coincided with discussions within the Security Cabinet, where Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announced that any Iranian attack would be met with an Israeli response in Lebanon, noting that decisions related to dealing with Iran remain within the purview of the U.S. president. He added: "Let’s not be accused of deception; we will gain points from him."

Israeli sources confirmed that Netanyahu's position received full support from the government ministers, who considered that the continued presence of Israeli forces in Lebanon aligns with Tel Aviv's security interests. Senior officials also stressed that the U.S. administration understands the sensitivity of this issue for Israel.

Conversely, there was a belief in Israeli circles on the night of Sunday-Monday that Iran decided to contain the escalation and not carry out an attack against Israel, following American pressure and efforts by mediators to halt the confrontation and prevent its expansion.

Sources indicated a consensus within the Security Cabinet to adhere to this position, even if it leads to a disagreement with the United States regarding the future of Israeli presence in Lebanon, reflecting Tel Aviv's insistence on considering this issue part of its strategic security priorities.