Politics
Israeli defense minister rejects Trump's expectation of Lebanon withdrawal
July 13, 2026 at 07:07 PM
Coverage
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has rejected President Trump's expectation that Israel will withdraw from Lebanon, insisting Israel does not need permission to remain.
- Katz wrote on X that Israel did not ask permission to enter Lebanon and does not need permission to stay.
- Katz said Israel will remain in the Lebanese security zone until Hezbollah is disarmed and the threat to northern residents is removed.
- Trump told reporters at the NATO summit in Ankara that he believes Israel will withdraw, having discussed it with Netanyahu.
- On June 26, Israel and Lebanon reached a US-mediated security agreement under which Israel hands over two areas to the Lebanese army.