21.06.2026 14:50
Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz announced that the Israeli military will not withdraw from the occupied areas in southern Lebanon and will continue its operations. Arguing that the ceasefire does not include Israel's withdrawal from the region, Katz stated, "Israel will not withdraw from the security zone in Lebanon." The statement came after claims that Israel had ceased its attacks.
Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz announced that the Israeli army will continue to remain in the areas it occupies in southern Lebanon and that there are no restrictions on its operations.
Katz argued that recent reports suggesting Israel's attacks in Lebanon have been limited are false, stating that the army continues its activities.
"WE WILL NOT WITHDRAW FROM THE SECURITY ZONE"
Katz stated that the Israeli army continues to deploy in the area known as the "Yellow Line" in southern Lebanon, from where it conducts operations toward the interior of Lebanon.
Claiming that the ceasefire does not include the withdrawal of Israeli soldiers from the area, Katz said, "As Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and I have clearly stated, Israel will not withdraw from the security zone in Lebanon."
THE AGREEMENT SPARKED REACTION IN ISRAEL
Iran and the United States had announced on June 14 that, following negotiations mediated by Pakistan, they reached a 14-point agreement to end the war and resolve issues through diplomatic means.
The agreement, called the "Islamabad Accord," was signed digitally by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and US President Donald Trump on June 18 and came into force.
The inclusion of articles in the accord aimed at ending hostilities on all fronts, including Lebanon, drew a reaction from the Israeli administration.
ATTACKS CONTINUED DESPITE CEASEFIRE
Israeli officials had previously announced they would not withdraw from the occupied territories, while the Israeli army continued its attacks on Lebanon.
Despite the announcement of a new ceasefire taking effect on June 19, clashes in the region were reported to continue. Although the Israeli press claimed yesterday that Netanyahu ordered the army to halt attacks on southern Lebanon, Katz's statements contradicted these claims.