Israel hails US-brokered Lebanon agreement as ‘historic’ security achievement
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz has described the newly signed agreement between Israel, the United States and Lebanon as a “historic” diplomatic and security achievement, saying it strengthens Israel’s security and weakens Iran’s regional influence.
In a statement issued on Saturday, June 27, Katz said the agreement could “for the first time in decades, shape a new and safer reality” along Israel’s northern border.
“The agreement signed yesterday between the United States, Israel and Lebanon is a historic event and an important diplomatic and security achievement for the State of Israel,” Katz said.
He stated that Israel would maintain its military positions in southern Lebanon until Hezbollah is fully disarmed and security is guaranteed for communities in northern Israel.
“The key principle established by the agreement is that there will be no Israeli redeployment in southern Lebanon, no withdrawal whatsoever, for as long as the Hezbollah terrorist organisation has not been disarmed throughout Lebanon and the security of northern residents is guaranteed,” he said.
Katz also described the agreement as a setback for Iran, accusing Tehran of attempting to pressure both Israel and the United States into securing an Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon.
“Iran attempted to force Israel to withdraw from Lebanon through threats and pressure on the United States, and it failed. Lebanon's future will not be dictated by Iran and Hezbollah,” he said.
He warned that Israel would respond militarily if Iran sought to prevent the agreement from being implemented.
“Should Iran attempt to attack Israel in order to prevent the implementation of the agreement, we will respond with overwhelming force,” Katz added.
The agreement was signed in Washington on Friday and is intended to stabilise the Israel-Lebanon border following months of hostilities. Under the framework, Hezbollah is expected to be disarmed throughout Lebanon, while Israel says it will retain its security zone in southern Lebanon until those commitments are fulfilled and the safety of northern Israeli communities is assured.
Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem rejected the US-brokered agreement after it was announced, describing the 14-point proposal as “humiliating” and accusing the Lebanese government of “destroying” the country.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
