WASHINGTON — Efforts to stabilize a fragile Iran-US ceasefire faced new pressure on Wednesday as Israel said it would maintain a military presence in southern Lebanon until it determines that threats from Hezbollah have been removed, complicating diplomatic efforts involving regional powers.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said during a visit to southern Lebanon that Israel would not withdraw while Hezbollah remained capable of threatening Israeli communities, according to Israeli officials. The visit followed a US-mediated security framework between Israel and Lebanon that calls for steps toward reducing hostilities and expanding Lebanese state control in areas previously contested by armed groups.
The framework includes plans for the Lebanese Armed Forces to take control of designated “pilot zones” in southern Lebanon, while linking a broader Israeli withdrawal to progress on Hezbollah’s disarmament, according to details released from the agreement. Hezbollah was not a signatory to the arrangement and has rejected the terms.
The dispute has added strain to wider US-Iran ceasefire efforts, with regional tensions remaining unresolved over the role of Iran-backed groups, including Hezbollah. Iran has argued that ceasefire arrangements should apply across related conflict areas, while Israel has maintained that it retains the right to respond to security threats.
Hezbollah has criticized the US-brokered Israel-Lebanon arrangement as unacceptable and said it would continue what it described as resistance against Israel. Lebanese officials have sought to strengthen the authority of state institutions and the Lebanese military, while international actors have called for implementation of the agreement and respect for Lebanon’s sovereignty.
The United States has played a central role in mediating the latest diplomatic efforts, including discussions aimed at preventing renewed escalation and supporting a longer-term security arrangement. The agreement between Israel and Lebanon remains conditional on further steps, including security measures in southern Lebanon and continued negotiations.
The situation remains unsettled, with Israel maintaining forces in parts of southern Lebanon and diplomatic efforts continuing to address the competing demands of Israel, Lebanon, Hezbollah and Iran. Officials involved in the talks have not announced a final timeline for a full Israeli withdrawal or a comprehensive regional settlement.
