Israel Says It Will Not Withdraw From Land Seized in Lebanon

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir said Monday their country will not withdraw from land seized in Lebanon. The announcement followed an initial agreement between the U.S. and Iran to extend an existing ceasefire.

"Trump's agreement does not bind us," Ben-Gvir wrote on X. Iranian military officials on Tuesday accused Israel of violating the ceasefire through continued operations in Lebanon. They warned of a "hard response" if fighting does not stop, according to Iranian state media cited by The New York Times.

Lebanon fighting Lebanon has remained a point of contention in the negotiations. Israel has been engaged in combat with Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed group operating in southern Lebanon. Hezbollah joined the broader conflict after earlier exchanges between Israel and Iran, leading to an Israeli ground operation in the south.

Earlier this month Iran paused talks, citing Israel's refusal to halt operations in the area. Officials said the original ceasefire terms were understood to include a halt to fighting in Lebanon.

Israeli response President Donald Trump later announced a ceasefire covering Lebanon. On Sunday he criticized Israeli strikes conducted ahead of a planned final peace agreement. After the announcement, Israeli officials including National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir urged continued operations against Hezbollah.

Reports indicated Israel requested a copy of the formal agreement but did not receive it.