Israel Cannot Withdraw Troops from Lebanon Despite U.S.-Iran Talks Uncertainty

[Financial News] Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has suggested that Israel will keep its troops deployed in the South Lebanon Security Zone, a buffer area, to protect northern Israel from Hezbollah threats.
On the 21st local time, The Times of Israel reported that Netanyahu said in a statement, "We have achieved tremendous results, and we will never give them up," adding, "To protect the precious residents of northern Israel and all citizens from Hezbollah attacks, we will remain in the South Lebanon Security Zone for as long as necessary."
He also said, "Nothing will change my decision," indirectly signaling a conflict with U.S. President Donald Trump over efforts to reach a comprehensive agreement to end hostilities with Iran.
The remarks have drawn international attention as they are emerging as a potential trigger that could derail talks between the United States and Iran, which began in Switzerland the same day.
Israel and Hezbollah engaged in fierce clashes over the weekend, killing several IDF soldiers and dozens of Lebanese people. Although the fighting was temporarily halted at noon on the 20th after the Israeli government, under strong U.S. pressure over concerns that the U.S.-Iran talks could collapse, ordered the IDF to "cease fire," tensions remain at a peak.
Israel's military and security leadership also backed Netanyahu's hard-line stance. IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir visited the southern Lebanon front and said, "The military objective is clear and unchanged: protecting northern communities," adding that Hezbollah is in a "very difficult situation" after several mid-level commanders were killed over the past two days.
Zamir also said, "The current ceasefire is fragile," and added, "We must maintain a high state of readiness so that we can resume combat and switch to the offensive at any time."
Defense Minister Israel Katz also drew a firm line, saying, "Troops operating in southern Lebanon face no restrictions in eliminating threats," and "Even if a ceasefire agreement is reached, the IDF will maintain all positions within the security zone protecting northern residents and will never withdraw."
Hezbollah and its backer Iran immediately reacted strongly to Netanyahu's remarks.
Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem said in a televised address, "It is absolutely impossible for Israeli forces to remain on Lebanese territory," flatly rejecting Israel's security zone. He argued, "Protecting sovereignty is the responsibility of the Lebanese Armed Forces, and we are cooperating with them. The Israeli aggressor must leave immediately."
IRNA reported that "if Israel does not withdraw from southern Lebanon, Tehran will suspend all talks with the United States," stepping up pressure on Washington.

jjyoon@fnnews.com Yoon Jae-jun Reporter