Israeli Officials Reject Calls to Withdraw from Southern Lebanon

Israeli officials said they will remain in southern Lebanon after rejecting external calls for withdrawal. The officials cited an established buffer zone along the northern border and stated the presence is intended to restore security in the north. Iran said Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon is required for implementation of the memorandum of understanding.

Background on the Positions The statements follow ongoing discussions about the terms of the memorandum. No timeline for any change in deployment was provided in the statements. Israeli officials did not indicate any immediate alteration to current positions.