Israel Refuses to Leave Lebanon Despite Reported Inclusion in U.S.-Iran Deal

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Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz declared Monday that Israeli forces will not withdraw from southern Lebanon, defying a U.S.-Iran peace deal announced by President Trump that reportedly includes provisions for Lebanon. The statement signals a potential rift between Israel and the Trump administration over the terms of the agreement, which was presented as a breakthrough in Middle Eastern diplomacy. Katz's refusal suggests Israel views its military presence in southern Lebanon as essential to its security interests, regardless of what the broader international accord stipulates.