Iran is linking the cessation of hostilities in Lebanon to a peace agreement with the United States. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reaffirmed that Israel will not withdraw its forces from southern Lebanon. He stated that the Israeli military cannot retreat until the threat from Hezbollah is eliminated.
On June 30, Netanyahu visited an Israeli military base in southern Lebanon. He warned troops, "We are telling both Iran and Hezbollah to leave this area."
Netanyahu drew a clear line regarding the possibility of withdrawal, saying, "We will not leave southern Lebanon until the threat is completely removed. As long as armed Hezbollah remains here to threaten us, we will also remain here."
This statement follows a U.S.-brokered framework agreement between Israel and Lebanon, which reportedly links Hezbollah's verified disarmament to a phased withdrawal of Israeli forces.
However, Israel maintains that the removal of the Hezbollah threat must come first. Netanyahu reiterated this condition on the same day.
Iran's position differs significantly. It views the end of the conflict in Lebanon as contingent upon the implementation of a peace agreement with the United States, asserting that the war cannot be considered over if Israeli forces do not withdraw from Lebanon.
Hezbollah also opposes the U.S. mediation proposal, as it aims at their disarmament. The group demands the complete withdrawal of Israeli troops.
Netanyahu claimed that Hezbollah's military capabilities have been significantly weakened, stating, "Hezbollah's stockpile of missiles and rockets has been greatly reduced. Many Hezbollah members have been killed in recent battles."
The situation in Lebanon remains a key variable in U.S.-Iran peace negotiations. Iran is pressuring for Israeli withdrawal, while Israel insists on Hezbollah's disarmament first. The conflicting demands from both sides have cast uncertainty on the implementation of any peace agreement.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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