The Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, assured this Thursday that the Army will maintain the “security zone” in the occupied territories of southern Lebanon, from which Israel will not withdraw “as long as security needs so demand” despite the agreement reached between Iran and the United States, according to the Israeli media Yediot Ajronot.

"We will continue to advance along our path with wisdom and discretion. For this it is necessary to maintain the security zone in southern Lebanon," Netanyahu said in his speech, delivered during the inauguration of a road in the Gush Etzion settlement bloc, in the occupied West Bank.

Israel refers to the “security zone” as the perimeter it has invaded since March 2 in southern Lebanon, with a depth of up to about 10 kilometers from the border within the neighboring country.

US-Iran Agreement

Despite the agreement reached this week and signed on Wednesday night between the United States and Iran, which includes “guaranteeing the territorial integrity of Lebanon,” Netanyahu insisted in his speech this Thursday that he will remain “faithful to the supreme objective” that guided him to participate in the war against the Islamic Republic last February: that Iran does not have nuclear weapons.

Also this Thursday, an Army officer announced that Israeli troops will remain in their positions in southern Lebanon, despite the signing last night of the memorandum of understanding between the US and Iran. “The IDF (Israel Defense Forces, Army) will continue to maintain its presence in the Security Zone, due to operational needs, in order to eliminate threats to its soldiers and establish an effective defense of the communities in northern Israel,” the officer stated. However, the soldier also pointed out that the Israeli Army will attack “threats” that it identifies “beyond” that perimeter.

The released text of the memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran includes in its first point that both countries, “as well as their allies in the current war,” declare “the immediate and permanent cessation of military operations on all fronts, including Lebanon.” Likewise, as revealed by the White House, it establishes the commitment of the parties to "guarantee the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Lebanon."