Middle East Crisis Israel-Hezbollah

Israel: We will not leave the security zone in Lebanon

Israel will continue to operate within the so-called security zones in Lebanon, says the country's Defense Minister Israel Katz according to Reuters.

"There has never been, and there are currently no restrictions on IDF soldiers in Lebanon from acting to eliminate threats."

He says the occupied land is needed to continue protecting northern Israel.

The statement comes after Iran warned that it will not hold peace talks with the United States unless the war in Lebanon is stopped.

On Friday night, Israel and Hezbollah agreed to a ceasefire, but despite that, several attacks between Israel and Hezbollah have been carried out.

Netanyahu: Will stay in Lebanon as long as necessary

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says that Israeli troops will stay in Lebanon "as long as necessary," reports AFP.

“Nothing will change that,” Netanyahu says.

He also emphasizes that Israel will never accept Iran acquiring nuclear weapons, regardless of political developments in the region.

At the same time, peace talks are underway between the United States and Iran in Switzerland. One of the points in the preliminary agreement that was previously signed includes a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon.

However, the fighting has continued, which has put the negotiations under pressure. Iran announced on Saturday that it was closing the Strait of Hormuz again, and on Sunday, Donald Trump warned of strong American measures if Iran’s support for Hezbollah does not end.