18.06.2026 22:30
Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich's statement that the Israeli army will not withdraw from southern Lebanon despite US diplomatic efforts in the region has sparked new tensions in the Washington-Tel Aviv axis. US Vice President J.D. Vance responded to Smotrich, who argued that Israeli soldiers will remain in the area until Hezbollah is completely disarmed. Vance, criticizing the Israeli far-right ministers by name, stated that security issues cannot be resolved solely through military means.
Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said that the Israeli army will not withdraw from southern Lebanon, despite the agreement reached between the US and Iran and diplomatic efforts to end the fighting in Lebanon. Smotrich, who has taken a hardline stance despite US President Donald Trump's efforts to reduce tensions in the region, announced that Israeli soldiers will remain in the area until Hezbollah is completely disarmed.
Speaking to the Israeli press, Smotrich stated, "There will be no withdrawal from Lebanon; not on Friday nor afterward." Emphasizing his close ties with the US, the Israeli minister said, "We have a partner called the US, but they also have their own interests. We have a responsibility to protect Israel's security."
LEBANON TENSION BETWEEN TRUMP AND NETANYAHU
Smotrich's remarks came after recent disagreements between Washington and Tel Aviv over Lebanon. US President Donald Trump had sent critical messages to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, stating that Israel should act more cautiously in its military operations in Lebanon. Trump argued that Israel should adopt a "softer approach."
In response, figures in Netanyahu's government argue that the agreement between the US and Iran does not bind Israel. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz previously announced that the Israeli army would remain in the security zones in southern Lebanon "without a time limit."
"NO WITHDRAWAL UNTIL HEZBOLLAH IS DISARMED"
Smotrich stated that Israel's fundamental condition is the complete disarmament of Hezbollah, saying, "We will stay in southern Lebanon long-term unless Hezbollah is disarmed. We will stay for years if necessary." The statement indicated that the Israeli government's frequently mentioned "security belt" strategy will continue.
VICE PRESIDENT VANCE RESPONDED
The response to the Israeli minister's remarks came from US Vice President J.D. Vance. Vance said, "We make progress in the agreement, and then suddenly a huge explosion occurs in a civilian population center in Beirut. Many people with no connection to Hezbollah lose their lives. This is unacceptable."
Vance harshly criticized Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich by name, stating, "There are people like Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich attacking the agreement. I think my response to them is: What exactly are you proposing? You are a country of 9 million people. You cannot just shoot your way out of every national security problem you face."