Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz responded to US President Donald Trump’s statement that he believes Israel will withdraw its troops from southern Lebanon. Defying Trump, Katz said: “We have not asked anyone for permission to enter Lebanon, and we do not need anyone’s permission to stay in Lebanon.”
elchi reports that, according to the Ministry of Defense, Katz responded in writing to Trump’s statement that he believes Israel will withdraw its troops from southern Lebanon.
Katz, claiming that the occupation of southern Lebanon protects Israeli citizens, said, “We have not asked anyone for permission to enter Lebanon, and we do not need anyone’s permission to stay in Lebanon.”
Minister Katz added:
“Until Hezbollah is disarmed throughout Lebanon and the threat to northern residents is eliminated, we will continue to remain in the security zone in Lebanon and operate within this zone as long as necessary.”
Trump, who came to Ankara for the 36th NATO Summit of Heads of State and Government, stated yesterday that he had discussed the issue of withdrawal from Lebanon with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and that he believes Israel will withdraw its troops from the occupied Southern Lebanon.
Negotiations between Israel and Lebanon have begun
Israeli and Lebanese ambassadors in Washington met on April 14 and 23 to prepare for negotiations mediated by the US.
The first meeting held at the US State Department was recorded as the “highest-level direct meeting since 1993.”
US President Donald Trump stated on April 24 that he looks forward to hosting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun at the White House in the near future.
On the other hand, the issue of direct negotiations with Israel is one of the most controversial topics in Lebanon’s domestic politics and public opinion. While President Aoun and Prime Minister Najib Mikati consider the negotiations necessary and the only option to “stop the bloodshed and achieve a lasting solution,” Hezbollah and its close circles oppose the process, characterizing direct contacts as “surrender.” After the fifth round of talks held in Washington, a “framework agreement” was signed between Lebanon and Israel on June 26.
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